Fraxinus pennsylvanica - Green Ash Aucubifolia

The Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Aucubifolia' is a variety of Pennsylvania Ash tree that is rare and exceptional due to its yellow-spotted foliage reminiscent of aucuba. Its large, deciduous leaves are bright and elegantly composed of long green leaflets. With slow growth, this tree will become a magnificent specimen to be placed alone in a large garden. Maintenance is limited to light pruning to remove branches that will only produce green leaves. Resistant to air pollution, it adapts well to urban conditions.

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

The Pennsylvania ash 'Aucubifolia' forms a slender tree with a straight trunk. Its crown is upright at first, then becomes broadly oval with age, presenting a harmonious shape. With slow growth, it reaches a height of 12 to 15 metres and a spread of about 8 to 10 metres. The leaves, typical of ashes, measure 20 to 30 cm long. Each leaf is composed of 5 to 9 lanceolate leaflets, each measuring 5 to 10 cm long. What truly distinguishes this variety are the patterns on its leaves: irregular yellow or cream spots on a green background, creating a unique visual effect as they dance in the breeze. This deciduous tree that loses 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. The young branches often have a lighter, almost olive green colour that contrasts nicely 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 robust and cold-hardy (down to -30°C), prefers non-calcareous, deep, rich, and moist soils with good drainage. A sunny exposure is preferable, but it can tolerate slightly shaded locations. This tree is sensitive to stagnant water and drought. It can be planted alone or in groups to add colour and light to the garden. It is suitable for ornamental parks and large lawns.