Pencilville Ash is a "native" of North America. Today it is widely distributed in Europe, the Far East, and Japan. It is often found along the shores of lakes, in floodplains of rivers.
Description
It should be noted that the Pencilvan ash, the photo of which you can see in the article, refers to long-lived trees. Under good conditions, he lives more than 300 years. At first, it grows rapidly, growing 50 cm in length per year and up to 30 cm in width. Later, the growth rate slows down, and by the age of ten its dimensions reach three meters in height and two meters in diameter of the crown.
The trunk becomes strong and very smooth. Often this species has the peculiarity of forming a multi-barrel form. Pencilville ash, a description of which can often be found in gardening publications, has a beautiful, spreading crown of a goblet shape. In diameter, it can reach an adult tree 10-12 meters. Crohn starts quite low.
Pennsylvania ash belongs to the olive family. The seeds of this tree contain more than 30% fat. In the VIII century, they were even canned for further use in cooking. This type of ash has valuable wood. By beauty and quality it is equated with black and mahogany. In the old days, as, indeed, in our time, bows (today sports), oars, spears, etc. were made from it.
Leaves and fruits
Pencilville ash, whose height can reach thirty meters, is a very picturesque tree with beautiful decorative leaves. They consist of several separate leaves. In the summer, they are painted in a bright green color, and in the fall they acquire a rich yellow hue. The unusual feathery foliage makes the crown light and airy.
Ash flowers are outwardly inconspicuous; they gather in small panicles at the ends of shoots. A tree begins to bloom even before the leaves appear on it.
The fruits are small green seeds (or nuts), which are used in cooking as a spicy seasoning for the second dishes.
Root system
Pencilville ash tree , whose photo allows you to get acquainted with its appearance, has a superficial root system, while the roots are well developed. They extend much beyond the limits of the crown and are at a depth of about one and a half meters.
Pencilville Ash: Features of Growing
It is not difficult to grow ash, but certain rules must be observed. The most important condition is the proper preparation of the soil mixture, which should be poured into the planting pit. Usually it is prepared from turf land, sand and humus in a ratio of 1: 1: 2. At first, it is recommended to fill up the drainage with sand or gravel at the bottom of the pit.
It is necessary to pay attention to the position of the neck of the root. It should never be buried. When planting a seedling, it must be placed slightly above the surface of the soil. Gradually, the earth will settle, and the plant will occupy the desired position.
Another important factor is mandatory watering. In the early days, seedlings need daily and plentiful watering. Later, watering is carried out in dry times at the rate of 10-15 liters of water per square meter according to the crown projection.
Pencilville young ash is growing very fast. Often the seedlings have the shape of a bush. Care for them consists in regular and deep loosening (up to 25 cm) of soil, mulching, and removing weeds. It is necessary to clean the trunk of the tops of shoots, carry out sanitary pruning of the crown, remove broken and dry branches. Young seedlings in the early years to winter should be covered. To do this, the trunk circle is covered with fallen leaves, and the trunk is wrapped with covering material.
Pruning
Pelsilvan ash requires pruning, but this procedure must be carried out very carefully, trying not to unnecessarily injure the plant. All sections are necessarily processed by garden var.
Top dressing
Pencilville ash is very responsive to fertilizing with mineral and organic fertilizers. This work should be done in early spring. Saltpeter, urea and nitroammophoska should be added to the water.
Diseases and Pests
Not very often, but it happens that ash is affected by pests - ash spinach, beetle. As a result, the plant may develop necrosis of the trunk and branches. In order to prevent such consequences from exposure to pests and fungi, insecticides and fungicides are used.
Ash in ancient culture
Since ancient times, ash has been considered a male tree, so in the ancient world it symbolized a warrior. Since ancient times, many nations revered ash as a sacred plant, which certainly brings happiness.
The British tribes sacredly believed that this is a tree of rebirth, which lays a connecting thread between the present, past and future. Therefore, ash wood was often used in various divinations and rituals.
According to the ancients, the fire kindled on ash wood had a special strength. He was considered healing, able to cure many diseases, and the smoke cleansed of evil spirits. And today in many countries (mainly in the east) the energy of ash is compared with the energy of oak. It is considered universal, damping negative vibrations and filling the space with positive energy. Therefore, craftsmen make jewelry and household utensils from this beautiful wood.
Use in landscape design
Pennsylvania ash cannot be called a simple tree. To create a beautiful garden composition with him, you need a creative approach. Throughout the year, fluffy ash does not lose a beautiful decorative appearance. This is due to its openwork regular shape of the crown, cirrus foliage. Even the original fruits of the tree (lionfish) are an ornament.
The plant is amazingly resistant to urban conditions, unpretentious in care. That is why it is often used for landscaping alleys: openwork transparent crowns, smooth trunks give a feeling of airiness. The tree looks great in a single landing on the lawn.
Ash looks no less spectacular near a reservoir, so it can be planted near an artificial stream or pond. The tree is very harmoniously combined with ornamental plants, shrubs, creates an excellent pair with larch in the foreground, creating a light airy composition.
Interesting combinations of ash with linden, maple, mountain ash. Recently, ash was planted in a group with conifers - pine, spruce. True, in this case, the trees should be located at a distance so that these strong plants do not harm each other.
Ash can be planted as a background plant at the edge of the plot. Such a decision will emphasize the beauty and brightness of other perennials and shrubs. Ash is great for creating an original landscape composition in a Mediterranean style. To do this, in the foreground, mountain pine, junipers, thuja are columnarly planted.