Fraxinus pennsylvanica Crispa - Green ash, Red ash.

The Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Crispa' is a Pennsylvania Ash with a "ball" silhouette and crisped foliage. It is a variety grafted on a trunk, with a crown sporting a pretty spherical or oval shape, dense and regular. This deciduous tree, which displays beautiful colours in autumn, exudes real elegance. Resistant to air pollution, it adapts well to urban conditions.

The Fraxinus pennsylvanica, known as the red ash of Pennsylvania, is a tree from the olive family, just like the olive tree. It is mainly found in North America, over a wide distribution area ranging from the Atlantic coast to Colorado, Alberta, and Montana to 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, this species is often used as an avenue tree.

The Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Crispa' was introduced into horticultural trade by Feliks Rożyński from the Zamoyski family nurseries in Podzamcze (Poland) in 1904. It features a straight trunk, the rootstock, which can vary in height. Its crown, quite regular, can reach between 3 and 6 meters in all directions. It can be shaped by pruning to achieve a more or less round or oval shape. The total height of the tree may vary depending on the rootstock height and crown. On average, a specimen will reach a height of 5.50 to 6.50 meters with a crown of 3.50 meters in diameter. The foliage is deciduous, with an unusual appearance. It consists of leaves divided into thick leaflets, slightly curled and with wavy margins. The leaf is dark green until late summer, then turns yellow and russet before falling in autumn.

The Pennsylvania Ash 'Crispa' is a tree of moderate development that can be used as a specimen tree on a lawn, near a terrace for shading, or to frame a gate. In urban landscaping, it is planted in rows along streets. Robust, it is however sensitive to stagnant water and very hot, dry conditions. To enhance its beauty, spring bulbs can be planted at its base, especially daffodils and snowdrops. Fans of "ball" trees will also appreciate the Acer platanoides ‘Globosum’, the ball acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’), the Platanus acerifolia ‘Alphen’s Globe’, and the Ginkgo biloba ‘Mariken’