Tree 29

Fraxinus angustfolia

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Quick Facts

Genus: Fraxinus

Species: angustfolia ssp oxycarpa

Common Names: Raywood Ash or Claret Ash

Mature Size: 10-15 metres

Height: 8.4 metres
Width: 8.8 metres
Diameter at Breast Height (DBH): 42 + 36 (2 stems) = 55cm

Age of Tree: Semi-mature.

Place of Origin: South Australia of possibly Southern European & North American parentage.

Plant Habit: upright, symmetrical canopy, grafted just above ground level; where its short trunk quickly divides.

Growth Habit: Rapid growth.

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Story

In 1904 the Street Planting Committee started to beautify Ballan, and this tree is thought to have been part of this movement.

In 1908 the Street Planting Committee co-operated with the Caledonian Park Committee, and they divided the money that could be raised equally between the Park and the Streets.

A Ladies Bazaar was held in aid of trees.

This particular tree was recently saved by Ballan residents and the Shire Council, sacrificing two car parking spaces to protect the roots of the tree.

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Horticultural Information

Preferred Conditions: Endures hot conditions if water is available.

Tolerances: Not tolerant of excessively wet soils. Colours best in cooler climates.

Useful Life Expectancy (ULE): Short-medium; extended by regular tree work.

Significance: Australian-bred tree.

Characteristics: Brown buds, leaves in threes, 7 narrow leaflets.

Points of Interest: Large shade tree with magnificent, rich wine coloured Autumn foliage. Retains its foliage till late in the season.

Additional Notes

In 1910 a plum coloured Ash seedling from a row of seedlings at Sewell’s Nursery at Algate in the Adelaide Hills was purchased by the owner of Ray Nursery who developed into the Raywood Ash. It is thought its parentage may have been Fraxinus oxycarpa and a North American species Fraxinus nigra that was growing nearby. (State Herbarium of South Australia).

While it does not produce much usable timber, the timber is white, smooth and useful for tool handles as it does not splinter.

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