European ash

Fraxinus excelsior L.

Family: Oleaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats, horses: RHS, Oregon State and Utah State state no toxicity or poison information for this species, and RHS shows no 'potentially harmful' line for it. That is silence, not an all-clear.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 5 (hardy to) per Oregon State; USDA 5-8 per Utah State University Extension (a Utah rating; says it is not as cold hardy as relatives)
Light: Full sun (RHS, Oregon State).
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: US: Oregon State: to about 85 ft (100+ ft) tall and an equal or somewhat greater width, round-headed and broad-spreading; Utah State: medium to large tree, mature height class 'high'; UK: RHS: vigorous tree to 25 m, size class higher than 12 m and wider than 8 m, 20-50 years to maturity
Where it comes from: Europe to the Caucasus; native to Britain and Ireland (RHS). Oregon State: native to the British Isles, Europe and the Caucasus, not native to Oregon.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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