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
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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
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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.