Golden Desert Ash
Fraxinus excelsior 'Golden Desert'
Height: 30 feet
Spread: 15 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 4
Other Names: F. angustifolia 'Golden Desert'
Description:
A medium sized shade tree with a compact rounded head, low maintenance; foliage is bright yellow as it emerges in spring, turning to chartreuse and then gold again in the fall; a colorful ornamental for the average home landscape
Ornamental Features
Golden Desert Ash has attractive lime green deciduous foliage which emerges yellow in spring on a tree with an oval habit of growth. The compound leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding gold in the fall.
Landscape Attributes
Golden Desert Ash is a deciduous tree with a strong central leader and a shapely oval form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.
This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned in summer after the leaves have fully developed, as it may 'bleed' sap if pruned in late winter or early spring. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
- Insects
Golden Desert Ash is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Shade
Planting & Growing
Golden Desert Ash will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.
This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.
