BlueBell Arboretum & Nursery

Mail order trees, shrubs, conifers and woody climbers

SOLD OUT: Available summer 2012

Description

A graceful, unusual and hardy ash tree, Fraxinus angustifolia 'Raywood' has fine dark green, pinnate (feather-like) leaves which are bright green, turning glorious shades of rich plum-purple in autumn before falling. An outstanding ornamental tree which has a reliable and colourful autumn display!

Supplied Size:

Features

• Common name: Claret Ash or Narrow-leafed Ash..
• Position: Full sun.
• Soil: Any fertile soil.
• Hardiness: Hardy.
• Rate of Growth: Vigorous.
• Habit: Medium sized or eventually large tree with a rounded crown.
  • Height: up to 20 m (65 ft).
  • Spread: 12 m (40 ft).

Plant Video

A 15 year old Fraxinus angustifolia 'Raywood' in our woodland garden showing its glorious autumn colours (October 2010).

Further Information

Native of North Africa and the Western Mediterranean region, this splendid, fast growing ash tree has glossy foliage all summer which turns to shades of claret and rich purple in autumn. The autumn colours are reliable but usually best on this cultivar following hot summers or where the tree is growing in well drained soil.

This variety originated in the Raywood Gardens at Bridgewater, near Adelaide, Australia from where it was introduced to Britain by Notcutts nursery in 1925.

Ash trees produce timber of great toughness which for centuries has been used for coach building and implement making. Many familiar garden tools such as hay rakes and hoes have ash shafts.

Extract from an information poster in our arboretum