Fraxinus greggii
Little Leaf Ash
Fraxinus greggii, little leaf ash, is a small semi evergreen tree with attractive fine-textured foliage and inconspicuous flowers. It is fast growing with low water requirements.
May be susceptible to emerald ash borer, mistletoe.
Good potential utility as an urban tree based on evaluation of 23 trees, healthy crown, 96% survival, slow growth rate. Signs of chlorosis or water stress on a few individuals. Very healthy shrubby species, however pruning is required for one trunk. We observed some dieback in the winter due to an unknown cause and trees are intolerant to poor drainage. Trees are generally very attractive and vigorous.
We got good germination with seed sown in January in a hoop house exposed to cold temperatures in an open flat. Seedlings are moderately fast-growing. Future trials should use fresher seed.