Velvet Ash - Velvet Ash Trees

Here in Tucson, Velvet Ash (Fraxinus velutina) trees are common in large, sandy washes with underground water and along streams in rocky canyons. These riparian trees only grow in locations where they can get a regular supply of moisture.

Velvet Ash trees are recognized by their distinctive seeds, commonly known as samaras, which are shaped like canoe paddles and by their pinnately-compound leaves with 5 to 9 lance-shaped leaflets. Velvet Ash gets its common name from the young leaves which feel somewhat velvety.

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