Ash (Fraxinus) - a genus of the olive family (Oleaceae). Only common ash (F.excelsior) grows wild in Latvia. It is an evergreen size 1 tree with a strong root system, straight slender trunk and gray or brownish bark. Corolla ovoid, coarsely branched. Buds opposite, black. The leaves are arranged in odd tufts of 7-11 leaflets. The leaves are elliptic-lanceolate, pointed, with an unevenly toothed edge. The flowers are small, unisexual or bisexual, greenish to dark purple, arranged on the shoots of the previous year. Blooms before the leaves develop (IV-V). Pollinated by the wind. The fruit is one-sided, enters X.

In Latvia, the common ash reaches 40 m in height. and >5 m in circumference (the largest ash trees in Latvia are Zīleni ash trees in Jelgava district and Vīcežu ash trees in Talsu district). Its stands occupy 1.0% of the total area of ​​Latvian forests. Fast-growing and light-demanding tree, however, up to ~20 years. tolerates shade well for age. Freezes in harsh winter, suffers from late spring frosts and forest animals. (for moose, roe deer). Propagated by seeds and cuttings.

Common ash is also grown as a decorative tree in gardens, alleys. In the spring, stratified seeds are sown 3-4 cm deep in a wide tube (up to 10 g/m). Sprouts appear unevenly within 30-40 days, therefore the length of seedlings already in the 1st year is very different (4-15 cm). If unstratified seeds are sown in the spring, they begin to germinate en masse only in the spring of the following year. Preliminary preparation of the soil is necessary only in places where excess moisture remains for a long time. As common ash blooms late, it is usually planted in spring. Seedlings, like seedlings, should be protected from frost. Cult. During maintenance, side shading of trees and protection against forest animals should also be provided. Pruning should be initiated if necessary. Field. common ash is not very suitable for land afforestation.