Autumn Purple Ash

The first time I really noticed Autumn Purple Ash (Fraxinus americana ‘Junginger’) was in the fall in Puyallup, Washington. I rounded a corner and saw what appeared to be large, round, purplish-orange globes on tree trunks. They were spectacular; at least they were this fall. That’s one thing I have noticed both in the field and especially in the nursery, the same trees can turn very different shades of their “described” fall color depending on the moisture and temperature we are having that fall. Whatever the year, though, the Autumn Purple Ash seldom disappoints anyone for fall color.

The size of these trees can reach approximately 50-ft. tall and wide, providing a medium size oval form tree. Healthy twigs and buds are large and fat and the tree has a clean character to it. The opposite pinnately compound leaves emerge a light shiny green, then darken through the year. After their impressive fall color, the leaves drop nearly all at once, nice for one raking.

The literature lists numerous disease and insect problems for the American Ash varieties, but from my understanding, they are more serious in the east and midwest. Most frustrating is the occasional “Ash decline” or dieback that occurs for no apparent reason. The most vigorous growing trees do not appear to develop as many problems.

When digging these trees in the nursery, the roots appear to be numerous, large, and aggressive. From this, I might assume that root barriers would be recommended when planted in narrow spaces, but I have not seen evidence of the need for that. Has anyone else observed any of the Ash varieties, particularly damaging to hard surfaces? That would be good information.

Overall, I have found the Autumn Purple Ash to be an excellent performing and medium size shade tree. I have a feeling its close relatives, the Autumn Applause, Autumn Blaze, Windy City, and others are equally pleasing.