My Confused Ash Tree

Several years ago (maybe nine?) I planted a white ash in front of my house. My local landscaper got it for me and helped me plant it in the hole I dug.

I like the shape of the ash and I like its fall color. I picked the species based on having seen it on some field trips around here and then researching it in books. I wanted something locally native but not necessarily common.

Here's the odd thing: I don't think my tree is from around here. My tree is the last to leaf out of any tree in my yard, and always the first to change color and lose its leaves in the fall. It's only just now breaking buds and has tiny leaves. A couple of days ago I was even wondering if it was still alive. I worry every year, even though I know its odd timing.

This tree must have parents raised at a different latitude from here. Bud break must be more driven by day length than temperature, so it waits until its genes say it is safe to open up.

One more oddity. The form of the tree naturally is to have a strong central leader, one straight trunk from which side branches arch off gracefully. But in 2004 the 17 year cicadas ate the main top leader. It actually stalled the upward growth of the tree for at least two years, while it tried to decide which of several side branches to use as the main one. Finally, the one on the left is the clear winner and it has resumed shooting skyward.

I love having such a small garden that I know the personality and history of almost every plant and corner of it.


- iPhone uPdate