Fraxinus greggii

Little Leaf Ash
Oleaceae
Evergreen, Trees

FRAXINUS

Fairly fast-growing trees, most of which tolerate hot summers, cold winters, and many kinds of soil, including alkaline sorts. Chiefly used as street, shade, lawn, and patio shelter trees. In most cases, leaves are divided into leaflets. Male and female flowers (generally inconspicuous, in clusters) grow on separate trees in some species, on the same tree in ­others. In the latter case, flowers are often followed by clusters of single-seeded, winged fruit, often in such abundance that they can be a litter problem. When flowers are on separate trees, you’ll get fruit on female tree only if a male tree grows nearby.

Ash trees are prone to borers. In some parts of California, ash whitefly is a problem; these chalky white, 1/8-in.-long insects colonize in patches on leaf undersides. Outbreaks are usually controlled by natural enemies; avoid spraying with broad-spectrum insecticides, which are likely to wipe out these beneficial predators.

Fraxinus greggii

Native from Arizona to Texas. Shrubby tree to 18–20 ft. tall and 10–15 ft. wide, with bright green leaves divided into three to seven leathery leaflets. Useful in desert; good patio tree. Survives on little water but grows faster with moderate irrigation.