Fraxinus pennsylvanica Crispa - Green ash

Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Crispa' is a Pennsylvania Ash tree with a "ball" shape and crinkled foliage. It is a variety grafted on a trunk, with a crown that has a beautiful spherical or oval shape, dense and regular. This elegant deciduous tree displays beautiful colours in autumn. Resistant to air pollution, it adapts well to urban conditions.

Fraxinus pennsylvanica, also known as the red ash or green ash, is a tree in the olive family, just like the olive tree. It is mainly found in North America, with a wide distribution area ranging from the Atlantic coast to Colorado, Alberta, and Montana in the west. Generally, it reaches a height 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, this species is often used as a street tree.

Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Crispa' was introduced into the horticultural trade by Feliks Rożyński from the Zamoyski family nurseries in Podzamcze (Poland) in 1904. It has a straight trunk, the rootstock, whose height can vary. Its regular crown can reach between 3 and 6 metres 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 height of the rootstock and the crown. On average, a specimen will reach a height of 5.50 to 6.50 metres with a crown of 3.50 metres in diameter. The foliage is deciduous and has an unusual appearance. It consists of leaves divided into thick leaflets, slightly curled with wavy margins. The leaves are dark green until late summer, then they turn yellow and rusty before falling in autumn.

The Pennsylvania Ash 'Crispa' is a tree with moderate growth that can be used as a solitary specimen on a lawn, near a terrace for shade, or to frame a gate. In urban settings, it is planted in rows along streets. While it is robust, it is sensitive to stagnant water and hot, dry conditions. To enhance its appearance, spring bulbs can be planted at its base, including daffodils and snowdrops. Fans of "ball" trees will also appreciate Acer platanoides 'Globosum', the umbrella acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Umbraculifera'), Platanus acerifolia 'Alphen's Globe', and Ginkgo biloba 'Mariken'.