Manna ash seeds - Fraxinus ornus

Manna Ash (Fraxinus ornus), also known as the Flowering Ash or South European Flowering Ash, is a deciduous tree native to southern Europe and western Asia, naturally thriving in dry, calcareous areas, particularly in the Mediterranean regions of France. It has captivating, abundant spring flowering, featuring creamy-white, fragrant, and nectar-rich blooms that appear alongside its foliage. The tree produces elongated samaras containing seeds that can be sown. These will germinate after a cold period that breaks their dormancy.

Manna Ash belongs to the Oleaceae family. Native to southern Europe and western Asia, it has acclimatised in certain Mediterranean areas of France, notably in Corsica and the Alpes-Maritimes. Its habit is typically rounded, with one or multiple trunks covered in smooth, grey bark, supporting an ovate to globular, fairly open crown. Its rapid growth allows it to reach approximately 7 m in height with a spread of 3.5 to 4 m, depending on growing conditions. Its deciduous foliage consists of 20 to 30 cm long compound leaves with 5 to 9 dark green, slightly glossy leaflets, featuring delicately toothed and wavy edges. In May, as the leaves emerge, the tree is adorned with a generous flowering in the form of erect, dense, and fragrant panicles, measuring between 10 and 20 cm. Each flower, 5 to 6 mm in diameter, has four petals. After pollination, the tree produces elongated samares of 2 to 4.5 cm, which contain its seeds.

The pollen of the Manna Ash can be allergenic for some individuals. Additionally, its roots may damage nearby foundations and ducts, so it is advisable to plant it at an appropriate distance from structures.

Its nickname, the "Manna Ash", comes from the sweet sap it secretes when its bark is incised. Known as "manna of the apothecaries," this substance is still used in herbal medicine for its purgative and diuretic effects.

The hardy and undemanding Manna Ash thrives in ordinary soil, including dry and calcareous types, provided it is well-drained. In its natural form, its elegant habit and beautiful spring flowering give it genuine ornamental qualities. This small tree will find its place in a grove, a large shrubby hedge, or as a standalone feature in a medium to large garden. As it tolerates pruning perfectly, regrowing from its stump, it is entirely possible to limit its development in a hedge. It pairs well with strawberry trees, Russian olives, or laurustinus—low-maintenance shrubs that are beneficial for garden wildlife.