Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Lamiales Bromhead
Family
Oleaceae
Genus
Fraxinus L.
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Fraxinus excelsior L., Sp. Pl. 1057 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Ash; Common ash; European ash
 Description

Tree to c. 30 m high. Shoots with prominent white lenticels, glabrous. Buds black, large. Petioles to c. 8 cm long. Leaflets usually 9–13, sessile, 4.5–10 × 1.75–3.5 cm, lanceolate, glabrous except for midrib and main veins beneath, serrate or serrulate; base cuneate; apex acuminate. Fls numerous in dense clusters. Calyx and corolla 0. Filaments > anthers. Anthers ovoid, often apiculate, dark purple. Samara (2.7)–3–4 cm × 7–9 mm, narrow-elliptic, oblanceolate or elliptic-obovate; wing extending c. 1/2 way along seed. Seed 1.2–1.5 cm long, compressed.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Sep.–Oct.

 Bibliography
Biosecurity New Zealand 2012: Regional Pest Management Strategies Database. http://www.biosecurityperformance.maf.govt.nz/
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42.
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Wilcox, M.; Bradshaw, C.; Cameron, E. 2004: Woody plants of the Auckland Domain. Auckland Botanical Society Journal 59(1): 44–56.
Weeds Key – interactive key to the weed species of New Zealand