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Berrinda Ash Vs. Raywood Ash

Ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) grow quickly when compared to other shade trees, such as oak and maple. Ashes are deciduous shade trees producing winged seeds. Ash trees, both native and exotic, grow well in moist, well-draining soils in sunny locations across much of the temperate United States. Two ash tree cultivars, Raywood and Berrinda, are options in the milder climates across the southern half of the nation, especially in the variable climates and soils of the West.

  1. Botanical Classification

    • The Raywood ash (Fraxinus angustifolia "Raywood") is also colloquially referred to as the claret ash because of its display red to purple fall foliage color. Some nurseries may list Raywood as a cultivar of Fraxinus angustifolia ssp. oxycarpa. Regardless of nomenclature, the Raywood claret ash is native to Southern Europe and coastal North Africa. The Berrinda ash (Fraxinus velutina "Berrinda") is an Arizona ash cultivar, which is native to the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its leaves turn golden yellow in the fall.

    Growing Range

    • More tolerant of winter cold, the Raywood claret ash tree grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, although it may survive in sheltered microclimates in zone 5b. The Berrinda Arizona ash is among the most cold-hardy selections of this more Southern native tree. Grow Berrinda in USDA zones 6b through 9. It is more appropriate to grow in the hot, arid deserts of southeastern California, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada compared to the Raywood claret ash.

    Growth Features

    • When mature, the Raywood claret ash attains an upright, oval silhouette. Expect it to grow 35 to 70 feet tall and 40 to 60 feet wide. It develops weak wood, causing winds to snap off branches with relative ease. By contrast, Berrinda Arizona ash is stronger with a pronounced central leader trunk, but matures to a small size in comparison. Little breakage and structural pruning is ever required. Berrinda reaches 35 to 40 feet in height with a canopy spread of 25 to 30 feet. Its silhouette is more upright oval when compared to Raywood.

    Insight

    • For adaptability, the Berrinda Arizona ash is more tolerant of soil pH, growing in sand, clay or loam as long as it is well draining. Much more drought tolerant than the claret ash, Berrinda grows faster if planted in a moist soil. Berrinda is much more tolerant of summer heat and hot, drying winds. The Raywood claret ash is best planted in neutral-to-alkaline soil that is moist and well draining. This cultivar is naturally tolerant of some salt spray near the ocean, and slight to moderate drought tolerance.

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