CAUTION: MAY HAVE INVASIVE TENDENCIES. Fraxinus excelsior, or European ash, is not recommended for planting due to its susceptibility to the emerald ash borer, which has devastated ash populations. Although, it may be less susceptible to EAB than North American ash species. This species is native to western Asia. While it prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun, European ash is vulnerable to storm damage due to brittle branches and can be somewhat messy, shedding large quantities of seeds and leaves in the fall.