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 a deep green color. The leaves are pinnately compound, measuring 4 to 6 inches in length and containing 7-9 narrow leaflets which are linear in shape. The Raywood Ash puts on a beautiful display in the fall – its leaves turn vibrant shades of red, bright burgundy, and purple. The flowers of the Raywood Ash emerge in spring. They are yellow, red, and inconspicuous.
Fraxinus oxycarpa ‘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)
