Fraxinus pennsylvanica Aucubifolia - Green Ash, Red Ash

The Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Aucubifolia' is a variety of Pennsylvania Ash tree, rare and exceptional for its yellow-spotted foliage reminiscent of aucuba. Its large, deciduous leaves are bright and of rare elegance, composed of long green leaflets. Slow-growing, this tree will become over time a magnificent specimen to be placed in isolation in a large garden. Maintenance is limited to light pruning to remove branches where only green leaves will appear. Resistant to air pollution, it adapts well to urban conditions.

The Fraxinus pennsylvanica, commonly known as the Pennsylvania Red Ash, is a tree of the olive family, like the olive tree, jasmine, privet, or lilac. It is mainly found in North America, over a wide distribution area from the Atlantic coast to Colorado, Alberta, and Montana in the west. Generally, it reaches heights between 12 and 25 meters and its trunk does not exceed 60 cm in diameter. In autumn, its foliage turns a beautiful lemon yellow, particularly attractive. Highly resistant to pollution and diseases, it is often used as a street tree. Like most ash trees, the pennsylvanica species is dioecious, meaning there are male and female trees.

The Pennsylvania Ash 'Aucubifolia' forms an elegant tree with a straight trunk. Its crown is upright at first, then becomes broadly oval with age, presenting a harmonious shape. Slow-growing, it reaches, eventually, 12 to 15 meters in height with a spread of about 8 to 10 meters. The leaves, typical of ashes, are compound, measuring 20 to 30 cm long. Each leaf consists of 5 to 9 lanceolate leaflets, each measuring 5 to 10 cm long. What truly distinguishes this variety are the patterns on its leaves: they display irregular yellow or cream spots on a green background, creating a unique visual effect as they dance in the breeze. This deciduous tree that sheds its leaves in autumn does not produce flowers or fruits. The bark of the Pennsylvania Ash is greyish and becomes rougher and more fissured with age. Young branches often have a lighter, almost olive-green hue, which contrasts beautifully with the variegated foliage.

The Pennsylvania Ash with aucuba-like leaves is a beautiful tree that grows in a free form. Its elegant silhouette and foliage bring an exotic touch to the landscape. It is sturdy and cold-resistant (down to -30°C), prefers non-calcareous, deep, rich, and moist soils with good drainage. A sunny exposure is preferable, but it can tolerate a slightly shaded location. This tree is sensitive to stagnant water and drought. It is planted alone or in groups to add colour and light to the garden. It is suitable for ornamental use in parks and large lawns.