Habitat
Fraxinus uhdei was planted extensively starting in the 1920's as a watershed species, and in the 1960's as a potential timber species. Over 700,000 trees were planted, all apparently from the same seed source, two trees on Oahu planted in the 1890's (Little and Skolmen 1989).
Fraxinus uhdei appears to have a rather broad range of tolerance. It has been planted and escaped from plantings in wet and mesic environments. It grows best between 1,000 and 1,700 m elevation but also up to 2,000 m (Smith 1985). Nelson and Schubert (1976) report that it grows best from 450-1500 m in moist, well-drained sites. In mesic and dry areas, it is usually confined to gulches and wet areas (Skolmen, pers. comm., 1991).
Reproduction
Fraxinus uhdei regenerates mostly or possibly exclusively from seed (Skolmen, pers. comm., 1991). Seed production is copious. Although fruits are apparently adapted for wind-dispersal, establishments appear to be rather short range, suggesting that wind dispersal infrequent. Seeds banks may survive up to eight years, as suggested by continued seedling recruitment in populations controlled at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Its success as an invading species is probably due to copious seed production, ability to regenerate under its own canopy, shade tolerance of young plants, and rapid growth of seedlings, saplings, and poles.