Fraxinus excelsior Foliis Aureis - Ash

Fraxinus excelsior 'Foliis Aureis', also known as the Golden Common Ash, forms a beautiful tree reaching a height of 6 to 8 m, appreciated for the decorative value of its foliage and graceful silhouette. In spring, it displays intense lemon yellow foliage, then in summer the young light green leaves stand out against the darker background of the older leaves. In autumn, the leaves light up with warm shades of yellow, but sometimes they do not change colour until the first frost. All these colour changes create life throughout the seasons, to delight the eyes. it is slow-growing, choose a suitable location to plant it in the garden where it can provide a beautiful specimen, low-maintenance and attractive all year round.

Fraxinus excelsior, commonly known as the common ash or tall ash, is a tree of the olive family, just like the olive tree, jasmine, privet or lilac. It is mainly found in Europe, Scandinavia and Russia, where it is common on the banks of rivers and in forests. It can reach a height of 20 to 30 metres and live up to 150 to 200 years. Its trunk is usually straight and its crown elongated. 

The 'Foliis Aureis' variety, whose origin is unknown, is characterised by a confusing nomenclature. The name "Foliis Aureis" was first used in nursery catalogues in the late 1880s. However, the synonym 'Aurea' was mentioned as early as 1807, but it was used to refer to the yellow-leaved variety and also to the one called 'Jaspidea', which has yellow shoots and green leaves. Fraxinus excelsior 'Foliis Aureis' forms a tree with a compact and regular crown, rounded when young and more spreading as it ages. It is slow-growing and reaches at maturity (15 to 20 years), a height of 6 to 8 m with a spread of about 5 to 7 m. The branches are greenish-grey and rigid and the leaves are large and pinnate, composed of 7 to 13 leaflets, elliptical, 3 to 5 cm long and pointed at the end. In spring, the leaves emerge a beautiful intense lemon yellow, then turn green as the season progresses. In summer, its young light green leaves stand out from the bright green of the older ones. Autumn is characterised by a colour change to warm shades of yellow, but sometimes the leaves do not change and remain green until the first frost. Occasionally, this creates a mix of spectacular colours. This tree does not produce flowers or fruits.

The Golden Common Ash is a medium-sized tree, which grows in a free form, making it an excellent choice for nature lovers. Its elegant silhouette and colourful foliage bring a touch of originality to your landscape. It is robust and resistant to winter cold (down to -30C°). It tolerates slightly acidic to alkaline soils and requires deep, rich, and moist soils with good drainage. A sunny exposure is preferable, but it can tolerate a slightly shaded location. It is sensitive to stagnant water and drought conditions, with leaves burning in high heat. Plant alone or in groups for filtered shade or to add colour and light to the garden. It is recommended for gardens, parks, streets, squares, and large lawns.