European ash and Narrow-leaved ash are often considered for the same spot in the garden (shade, specimen). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Fraxinus excelsior 7 m × 4 m after 10 years
A native forest tree of huge size: its loose, domed crown of pinnate leaves reaches 20 to 40 metres in time, and the black winter buds make it easy to…
Fraxinus angustifolia 6 m × 3.5 m after 10 years
A large tree with fine, narrow leaflets and glossy green foliage; its regional subspecies, the Hungarian or Danubian ash, is a tree of lowland…
European ash: We do not recommend it for most Central European gardens.
Narrow-leaved ash: We do not recommend it for most Central European gardens.
European ash grows faster than Narrow-leaved ash.
European ash is hardier: down to -29 °C, against -23 °C for Narrow-leaved ash.
Narrow-leaved ash tolerates drought better than European ash.
Narrow-leaved ash needs less care than European ash.
European ash is cheaper: about €8.70 at the size usually planted, against about €290 for Narrow-leaved ash.
|
Feature
|
European ash
|
Narrow-leaved ash
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Large tree | Large tree |
| Size after 10 years | 7 m × 4 m | 6 m × 3.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 20–40 m × 15–25 m | 15–25 m × 8–12 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Medium |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | April–May, green, purple | March–April, yellow, green |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Medium |
| Maintenance | High | Medium |
| Planting distance | 1200 cm | 900 cm |
| For dogs | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €8.70 | approx. €290 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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