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Fraxinus americana 'Autumn Purple'

American ash 'Autumn Purple'

A spreading, broadly conical, deciduous tree to around 18m tall. Leaves are made up of seven, nine or rarely five, oval to oblong leaflets, dark green above and whitish-green below. Leaves turn vibrant shades of red, purple, orange and yellow in the autumn. Inconspicuous green flowers are borne in spring. The grey bark develops distinctive ridging on mature trees

Synonyms
Fraxinus excelsior 'Autumn Purple'
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Green
Summer Green
Autumn Orange Purple Red Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Oleaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus

Fraxinus are medium-sized to large, mostly deciduous trees with attractive pinnate leaves, sometimes conspicuous flowers and autumn colour, and distinctive winged fruits

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Ash dieback has recently been found in the UK. Restrictions have been put in place (from 29 October 2012) regarding both the importation of ash from abroad and the movement of ash within the UK. May also be susceptible to honey fungus

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