Induction of somatic embryogenesis is described in common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.). Embryogenic tissues are obtained from immature zygotic embryos and cultured on a modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 8.8 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 4.4 μM benzyl-adenine. Embryogenic tissue is subcultured and multiplied on medium supplemented with reduced concentration of plant growth hormones. Somatic embryos develop and mature by transfer to hormone-free medium and subsequent culture on medium containing low amount of benzyladenine. Somatic embryo germination and conversion are enhanced by cold storage at 4�C and successive transfer onto Woody Plant Medium (WPM). Fully developed plantlets are then transferred to pots and acclimatized in the greenhouse equipped with a mist system.