Downy ash

Family Oleaceae Most widely distributed in nature in North America, where it grows along riverbanks, in floodplains.

Tree of medium size (up to 20 m). A freely growing tree has a spreading, irregularly shaped crown. Shoots with woolly pubescence, brownish-brown. Leaves of 5-9 leaflets, matte green above, grayish-green below. Inconspicuous flowers in clusters. Samaras narrow, up to b cm long.

Less demanding of soil fertility than the common ash, but more demanding of its moisture. Tolerates temporary flooding and slight salinity. The most cold-hardy of the species in this genus. Better tolerates urban conditions than common ash. In youth in northern regions it suffers from frosts and takes a shrubby form. Provides good shade. Used for street plantings. In cultivation since 1783.