Velvet Ash
Fraxinus velutina
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © diego4nature (iNaturalist #15302597)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Oleaceae
- Genus:
- Fraxinus
- Species:
- Fraxinus velutina
- USDA Symbol:
- FRVE2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr
- Bloom Colors:
- green, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Calleta silkmoth (Eupackardia calleta), Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), Great Ash Sphinx (Sphinx chersis)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Great Ash Sphinx (Sphinx chersis) Butterflies:Papilio multicaudata
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies, small mammals
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- yellow
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- tolerates drought conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are naturally stratified outdoors during fall months.
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)