Common Name: Xiao Ye Qin

General Information

Fraxinus bungeana is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow from 2 - 5 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials.
Fraxinus bungeana has a wide range in China and no known threts.The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - central and northeastern China ((Anhui, Hebei, Henan, Liaoning, Shandong, Shanxi).

Habitat

Dry sandy soils, rock crevices; at elevations up to 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Fraxinus bungeana is a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -25°c when fully dormant[].
Prefers a deep loamy soil, even if it is on the heavy side[, ]. Most members of this genus are gross feeders and require a rich soil[]. Plants succeed when growing in exposed positions[] and also in alkaline soils[]. They tolerate atmospheric pollution[].
A very ornamental plant[].
This species might be dioecious, in which case male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, antitussive, astringent, diuretic and expectorant[, ]. It controls bacterial infections and coughs[]. It is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, cataracts, cough and asthma[].
The bark contains aesculin, this has anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant and analgesic actions[].
The bark also contains fraxetin. This has an inhibitory effect on the central nervous system, is a stronger and safer anodyne than aspirin and has some antibacterial activity[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Fraxinus species in general are gross feeders with an extensive, fibrous root system, which makes transplanting easy, but means that other species will often not grow well if planted nearby, especially if they are shallow rooted[],

Other Uses

A commercial insect wax is produced on the branches[]. We are not sure how the wax is produced, one report says that it is as a result of eggs being laid by insects. Another report says that the wax is produced by the plant due to the stimulation of the feeding insects. Yet another report says that the wax is produced from secretions of the insects[]. The wax is used for making candles and as a polish for earthenware pots, book edges etc[].
The plant (extract?) is said to be used as a barrier to protect the skin from ultra-violet light[].

Propagation

The seed is best harvested green - as soon as it is fully developed but before it has fully dried on the tree - and can then be sown immediately in a cold frame[]. It usually germinates in the spring[]. Stored seed requires a period of cold stratification and is best sown as soon as possible in a cold frame[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions or a nursery bed in late spring or early summer of the following year.
If you have sufficient seed then it is possible to sow it directly into an outdoor seedbed, preferably in the autumn. Grow the seedlings on in the seedbed for 2 years before transplanting either to their permanent positions or to nursery beds.