Oleaceae

Fraxinus angustifolia

Common Names: Desert ash

Plant Form: Large spreading deciduous tree. Size: Up to 20 m tall. Stem: Greyish, rough-barked trunk with prominent ridges. Leaves: In opposite pairs of 3-9 leaflets with jagged edges and white midrib. Flowers: Inconspicuous, green to purple and lack petals. Fruit and Seeds: Large, drooping clusters of flat winged pods. Habitat: Creeks, gullies, wetlands, parks and gardens. Distinguishing Features: Very similar to European ash (Fraxinus excelsior), but tends to have more elongated leaves and brown rather than black leaf buds. Impacts: Forms dense stands, alters vegetation, can block water access.

Foliage

Spring growth

Immature seeds