Fraxinus Raywood - Claret or Raywood Ash

Fraxinus angustifolia ‘Raywood’ (also known as Fraxinus oxycarpa ‘Raywood’) is a medium sized, fast growing, deciduous tree. It has a narrow, upright crown when young and broadens into a full, rounded canopy as it matures.

The most alluring feature of this tree is the foliage. Throughout the summer, the narrow, serrated leaves are dark green and glossy providing dappled shade below. They really come into their own in the Autumn though when they turn brilliant hues of purple and wine-red.

Fraxinus ‘Raywood’ is also a good tree for urban and avenue planting. Its uniformity and tolerance to soil compaction make it a great choice. It also has a greater tolerance for dry soils than Fraxinus excelsior (Common Ash). The drawback however, is that the branches can be brittle and prone to breaking.

The tree originates from south Australia around about 1910 and was grown at a property called ‘Raywood’. It was not introduced to the UK until 1928.