Fraxinus americana ‘Junginger’ – Autumn Purple® Ash

Botanical Name: Fraxinus americana ‘Junginger’

Alternate Name: Fraxinus americana ‘Autumn Purple®’

The Autumn Purple® Ash (Fraxinus americana ‘Junginger’) is a cultivar of the American White Ash tree, which is found growing in the eastern United States. It is a male clone that does not produce any seeds. Typically the white ash species (Fraxinus americana) will produce male and female flowers on different trees.

Autumn Purple® Ash is a medium sized deciduous tree that doesn’t grow as big as the species. It reaches a height of 45-60 feet and a spread of 35-50 feet. As a juvenile its growth habit is pyramidal, but as it matures it becomes more rounded or oval shaped. It is a fast growing tree with a strong, straight leader.

This cultivar has interesting gray bark that develops diamond shaped ridges as it matures. This is typical of the white ash species. Clusters of small, upright male flowers appear on the tree in spring.

Its leaves are deep green and glossy during the growing months. They are 2-4 inches in length, pinnately compound, oblong or lanceolate in shape, and usually contain 7 leaflets in one leaf.

The Autumn Purple® Ash is one of the earliest to show fall color, and it is long lasting. The tree puts on a spectacular display of deep red and purple with an inner glow of orange and golden yellow.

This tree can be susceptible to anthracnose, powdery mildew, tree rusts, and fungal leaf spots.