In California Fraxinus velutina  or Velvet Ash   is found in the southern Sierra Nevada  the Mojave and Colorado Deserts  and the California chaparral and woodlands ecoregion  with scattered populations extending into Baja California.This ash is a small to medium-sized  deciduous shade tree  usually no taller than 40 ft. This tree has an open  rounded crown of spreading branches and leaflets quite variable in shape and hairiness. Spreading branches form a rounded crown. Bark is deeply furrowed. Foliage turns yellow in fall. The inconspicuous  green  springtime flowers are followed by the production of showy  persistent fruitsIt is planted as a shade and street tree. It is hardy in alkaline soils and fast-growing. In the desert  ash trees indicate a permanent underground water supply. When established  it is a moderate water user; supplement with 2-3 irrigations per month in hot part of year