Claret Ash Fraxinus oxycarpa 'Raywood'

Raywood ash is a broadleaf deciduous tree cultivar in the olive family (Oleaceae). The species is native to Asia and Europe. The species epithet is compounded from the Latin words meaning “sour fruit,” the meaning of which is obscure as the fruits are not remotely edible.

Raywood ash needs full sun and prefers well-drained soils. It is not too picky about soils types or pH. 

The tree can grow up to 80 feet tall but generally is 40 to 50 feet tall and 25 to 30 feet wide. It matures to an oval crown and is deer and drought tolerant once established. This tree is reported to produce only male flowers so no messy fruits are produced; however, some trees have produced female flowers and fruits. This tree is reportedly resistant to anthracnose foliage disease and ash lygus bug which attacks other ashes. The fall color is a nice purplish red.

Use as a shade tree for the yard or as a street tree. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No pests or diseases are of major concern, although possibly borers. The tree is prone to toppling and can be hard to establish. See potential insect and disease problem factsheets to the left.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University