Bumpy Ash Plant Care

Flindersia ifflana F.Muell.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Flindersia ifflana, commonly known as hickory ash or Cairns hickory, is a species of tree in the family Rutaceae and is native to Papua New Guinea and Queensland. It has pinnate leaves with between four and twelve egg-shaped to elliptical leaflets, panicles of white or cream-coloured flowers and woody fruit studded with rough points.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Bumpy Ash?

Plant Bumpy Ash in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Bumpy Ash Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Bumpy Ash?

Bumpy Ash (Flindersia ifflana) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Flindersia genus. Bumpy Ash is native to Papua New Guinea and Queensland. Bumpy Ash is also known as Ifllana Ash, Ivorywood.

Bumpy Ash displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Bumpy Ash produces small white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Bumpy Ash?

Water a young or newly planted Bumpy Ash every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Bumpy Ash Need?

Bumpy Ash thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bumpy Ash Prefer?

Flindersia ifflana tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Bumpy Ash prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bumpy Ash?

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Bumpy Ash to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Bumpy Ash?

Feed Bumpy Ash every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Bumpy Ash?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bumpy Ash is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Bumpy Ash?

Bumpy Ash can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Bumpy Ash?

Prune Bumpy Ash while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a Bumpy Ash in Winter?

Bumpy Ash is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Bumpy Ash?

Bumpy Ash can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to silver ash plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Bumpy Ash Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Bumpy Ash, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Bumpy Ash?

Bumpy Ash is susceptible to scale insects, citrus leaf miner. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bumpy Ash Need?

Bumpy Ash grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Bumpy Ash is native to Papua New Guinea and Queensland. In cooler regions, grow Bumpy Ash as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Bumpy Ash is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Flindersia genus — compare its care with other Flindersia species on PlantoScan.

Flindersia is part of the Rutaceae plant family — browse all Rutaceae genera and species.

Bumpy Ash thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Flindersia Species

Other Flindersia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Flindersia ifflana F.Muell., family Rutaceae (first published in Fragm. 10: 94 (1877)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bumpy Ash, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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