Manchurian ash - fraxinus mandshurica
Common Name: Manchurian ash, mancana ash
Scientific Name: Family: Oleaceae Genus: Fraxinus Species: mandshurica Hardiness Zone: 3 to 6 Height: 40 to 50 ft Width: 20 to 25 ft Description: Manchurian ash is native to eastern Asia. This medium sized tree is one of the only ash species found to have some resistance to the Emerald Ash Borer, which will kill native ash trees within 3-5 years of infestation. EAB is from China and is a serious threat to the two billion ash trees in Minnesota, so the possible resistance in Manchurian ash has caught the eye of researchers looking for replacement species. Its resistance can likely be attributed to the coevolution of both species in their native range in Asia; this ash has been able to develop defenses against EAB over a long period of time. However, there is not definite evidence to back this up. Like most ash trees, the Manchurian ash can tolerate some harsh conditions, which is what originally made the genus so popular in our urban settings. At this time, this is one of the only species of ash tree that should be considered for planting. It most closely resembles black ash (Fraxinus nigra), which is native to Minnesota. |