Family: Oleaceae
Fraxinus griffithii, commonly known as Himalayan ash or Griffith’s ash, is a species of ash tree native to parts of Southeast Asia, China, the Indian subcontinent, and Taiwan. It typically grows as a small to medium-sized tree, reaching heights of 10 to 15 meters (around 30 to 50 feet). The tree has compound leaves with 3-7 glossy, lance-shaped leaflets, giving it a fine-textured, graceful appearance.
Fraxinus griffithii is valued as an ornamental tree in gardens and landscapes because of its attractive foliage and manageable size. However, it can become invasive in some non-native areas, like Australia and parts of the Pacific, where it outcompetes native vegetation and spreads into natural ecosystems. In the Hawaiian Islands, it is currently naturalized on the island of Maui, and possibly other islands where cultivated.
High Risk Traits:
- Broad elevation range and climate suitability
- Thrives and can spread in regions with tropical climates
- Naturalized in Australia, New Zealand, and the Hawaiian Islands (Maui and possibly Hawaii Island)
- A potentially invasive tree in Australia (although specific impacts have not been documented)
- Other Fraxinus species are invasive
- Unpalatable to deer and probably other browsing animals
- Host for other pests and pathogens
- Shade tolerant
- Tolerates many soil types (not limited by substrate)
- May form dense seedling carpets
- Reproduces by seed
- Capable of self-pollination
- Seeds dispersed by wind, water and through intentional cultivation
- Capable of prolific seed production
Low Risk Traits:
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Not reported to be toxic
- Relatively large, wind-dispersed seeds unlikely to be accidentally spread
- Herbicides may provide effective control if needed