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Description
Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. oxycarpa, commonly known as Raywood ash, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the olive family. It is native to southern Europe and western Asia and is widely cultivated in North America. The tree grows up to 60 feet tall and 40 feet wide with a dense, oval-shaped crown. The bark is smooth and gray when young, becoming deeply furrowed with age. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 7-9 leaflets that are lanceolate and dark green in color. The flowers are inconspicuous and greenish-purple in color, and the fruit is a winged samara that is light brown in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Fraxinus |
| Species | Fraxinus angustifolia |
| Subspecies | Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. oxycarpa |
Appearance
Raywood ash has a dense, oval-shaped crown that provides ample shade. The bark is smooth and gray when young, but as the tree ages, it becomes deeply furrowed. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 7-9 leaflets that are lanceolate and dark green in color. They turn a stunning burgundy-red color in the fall before dropping. The flowers are inconspicuous and greenish-purple in color, and the fruit is a winged samara that is light brown in color.
Care Guide
Raywood ash is a relatively low-maintenance tree that requires minimal care once established. Here are some tips for caring for this tree:
- Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. After that, water deeply but infrequently.
- Fertilization: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.
- Soil: Raywood ash prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Raywood ash is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Raywood ash is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to the following:
- Borers: These insects can bore into the trunk and branches of the tree, causing damage.
- Ash rust: A fungal disease that causes orange pustules to form on the leaves and stems of the tree.
- Verticillium wilt: A fungal disease that causes leaves to wilt and turn yellow before dying.
Habitat
Raywood ash is native to southern Europe and western Asia but is widely cultivated in North America. It is commonly used as a street tree, in parks, and in residential landscapes. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Raywood ash a good shade tree?
A: Yes, Raywood ash is a great shade tree that provides ample shade with its dense, oval-shaped crown.
Q: Does Raywood ash require a lot of maintenance?
A: No, Raywood ash is a relatively low-maintenance tree that requires minimal care once established.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Raywood ash?
A: Raywood ash is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Q: What is the best time to fertilize Raywood ash?
A: Fertilize Raywood ash in early spring with a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.
Related Plants
- Fraxinus americana (White ash)
- Fraxinus excelsior (European ash)
- Fraxinus nigra (Black ash)
- Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Green ash)
References
- Dirr, M. A. (1998). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. oxycarpa. Retrieved October 12, 2021, from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a242
- University of Connecticut Plant Database. (n.d.). Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. oxycarpa. Retrieved October 12, 2021, from https://hort.uconn.edu/plants/detail.php?pid=192
