Raywood Ash
Botanical Name: Fraxinus oxycarpa ‘Raywood’
Alternate Name: Fraxinus oxycarpa (angustifolia) ’Raywood’
The Raywood Ash (Fraxinus oxycarpa ‘Raywood’) is a very popular cultivar that originates in the Mediterranean region. This tree is a male clone and produces very few seeds. It is an attractive medium-sized deciduous tree with an upright growth habit, maturing to a rounded or oval dense canopy that is neatly symmetrical. The Raywood Ash is fast growing, with a straight trunk and neat canopy. It therefore makes a great street tree, lining boulevards or driveways. It grows to a height of 40-50 feet with a spread of 25-30 feet.
Its leaves have a very fine texture and are handsome, glossy, and deep green. They are pinnately compound, measuring 4 to 6 inches in length and containing 7-9 narrow leaflets which are linear in shape. This cultivar puts on a beautiful display in the fall when its leaves turn vibrant shades of red, bright burgundy, and purple. The flowers emerge in spring – yellow, red, and inconspicuous.
Raywood Ash is moderately drought tolerant once established. It is also tolerant of heat and cold and makes a great shade tree. This tree is resistant to ash blight. Attractive to birds and butterflies.
Height: 40-50 ft.
Width: 25-30 ft.
Shape: Oval, Rounded
Flower Color: Yellow/Red
Flowering Time: Spring
Fall Color: Red, Purple
Features: Attractive fall color, Chartreuse leaf color
Exposure: Full Sun to Light Shade
Watering: Moderate & Regular
Soil: Prefers moist and well-drained soils. Tolerant of a wide range of soil types and pH.
Growth Rate: Moderate-fast
USDA Zones: 5-8
Uses: Specimen tree, shade tree, lawn tree, park tree, street tree, habitat tree
Similar Trees: Fraxinus americana 'Junginger' (Autumn Purple® Ash), Fraxinus excelsior ‘Aureafolia' (Golden Desert® Ash), Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Cimmzam' (Cimmaron® Ash), Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Patmore' (Patmore Ash)