Oregon Ash

Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia) is a deciduous Pacific Northwest native suited to damp lowlands and streamside sites. It develops a broad crown in open conditions, turns yellow or brown in fall, and produces small flowers before or with emerging leaves. ## Size and siting Allow room for a large tree: Oregon State profiles place mature height around 40–80 feet, while North Carolina Extension reports 65–80 feet. The crown is broad in open-grown trees, so leave space for roots and canopy. Oregon ash grows in full sun or part shade and is useful for shade, ornamental planting, and wet-area reclamation. [Oregon State Landscape Plants](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/fraxinus-latifolia) and [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/fraxinus-latifolia/common-name/oregon-ash/) ## Soil and seasonal interest The species is common on deep, moist, poorly drained bottomland soils, especially clay and silty clay loam, but it also occurs on sandy, rocky, or gravelly sites near waterways. It tolerates seasonal flooding. Small greenish flowers appear in spring; winged fruits ripen in late summer or fall, and birds and squirrels eat the seeds. [USDA Forest Service Silvics](https://research.fs.usda.gov/silvics/oregon-ash) ## Maintenance Water young trees while they establish. Once established, Oregon ash may need little summer irrigation in suitable sites, though prolonged heat and dry soil can reduce growth. Monitor local ash pests and diseases and prune to maintain sound structure.