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.