Weather and climate have colluded this year to ensure a magnificent flowering season. Mature trees have excelled in their flower production this year and currently Fraxinus ornus var. juglandifolia is awash with panicles of miniature scented white flowers. The panicles extend to 200mm in length; each individual flower is composed of 4 off white petals. These appear after the foliage has flushed and expanded. The pinnate leaves resemble those of Juglans and are held in opposite pairs colouring yellow during autumn.

Growing on the hillside where the shallow free draining soil is not the best medium for Fraxinus. Never the less this specimen dating from 1892 has a healthy broad rounded canopy. A native to the Balkans through southern Europe and into Asia.

Fraxinus ornus var. juglandifolia. Photo by Tony Garn

Fraxinus ornus var. juglandifolia

Fraxinus ornus var. juglandifolia. Photo by Tony Garn

Fraxinus ornus var. juglandifolia

Fraxinus ornus var. juglandifolia. Photo by Tony Garn

Fraxinus ornus var. juglandifolia