Fraxinus oxycarpa 'Raywood', Raywood ash, Flame ash
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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Fraxinus oxycarpa 'Raywood'

Raywood ash, Flame ash

Oleaceae
The species {F. oxycarpa} (now often treated as {F. angustifolia} subsp. {oxycarpa}) is native to southern Europe and southwestern Asia; 'Raywood' was selected at Raywood Park, South Australia, c. 1910

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At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height35-50 feet (10.5-15 m)
Width25-40 feet (7.5-12 m)
Maturity12 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 9
Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Drought Tolerant
Maintenancelow

Overview

Fraxinus oxycarpa 'Raywood' is Raywood ash (flame ash), an upright deciduous tree growing 35-50 feet (10.5-15 m) tall and 25-40 feet (7.5-12 m) wide. Dark green pinnately compound leaves with 7-11 narrow leaflets each 2-3 inches (5-7 cm). Turns purple, plum, and red in fall — one of the few ash cultivars with purple fall color. Inconspicuous greenish wind-pollinated flowers in April. Male clone — seedless (no samaras). In Oleaceae. Selected at Raywood Park, South Australia, c. 1910. Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) threatens all Fraxinus species — this is the primary limitation for new ash plantings. Ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) also affects this species in Europe. Tolerates alkaline soil (pH to 8.0) and drought once established. The narrow leaflets create a fine-textured canopy. Non-toxic. Zones 6-9. Full sun. Growth rate is fast.

Native Range

The species F. oxycarpa is native to southern Europe and southwestern Asia. 'Raywood' was selected at Raywood Park, South Australia, c. 1910.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a street tree, shade tree, and specimen tree spaced 25-40 feet (7.5-12 m). Purple fall color. Seedless (male clone). Fine-textured canopy. Emerald ash borer risk. Non-toxic. Zones 6-9.

How to Identify

Identified by pinnately compound leaves with 7-11 narrow leaflets turning purple-plum-red in fall on a medium to large deciduous tree. The narrow leaflets and the purple fall color distinguish 'Raywood' from F. pennsylvanica cultivars (wider leaflets, yellow fall color). Male clone — no samaras. In Oleaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height35' - 50'
Width/Spread25' - 40'

Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years

Colors

Flower Colors

green

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

purple
plum
red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~1 weeks
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Spring
Early spring (April). Inconspicuous greenish flowers — wind-pollinated. 1 week. Male clone — no samaras produced.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Dark green, pinnately compound with 7-11 narrow leaflets each 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) long with serrated margins; turns purple, plum, and red in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclay
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-15 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-8.0 — tolerates alkaline and clay. Drought-tolerant once established. Emerald ash borer threatens all ash — consider the EAB risk before planting. Prune in late winter (February-March). Non-toxic. Zones 6-9.

Pruning

Prune in late winter (February-March). Develop a strong central leader when young — ash trees are prone to co-dominant leaders with included bark (weak attachment). Remove dead, crossing, or weak-angled branches.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic