Desert Ash


Photo: Delwyn Thomas		Desert Ash Fraxinus angustifolia Trees and Shrubs South Australia Region

	Formerly known as Fraxinus oxycarpa. Desert ash is a spreading deciduous tree growing to a height of 10- 12 m. Leaves consist of seven leaflets and turn various shades of yellow and gold in autumn. Inconspicuous flowers appear in winter when the tree is bare followed by large quantities of winged seeds.

HOW IT SPREADS Desert ash has been widely used as a street and park tree in south east Victoria and South Australia where it has become naturalised. Its flowers are wind-pollinated producing seeds that are winged which aids dispersal by wind. Desert ash will also spread from root suckers. Seeds washed down gutters enable it to invade creeks and wetlands. It can also establish in grassy woodland from windblown seeds.

Please note: Avoid all seed grown trees. Sterile forms of Fraxinus are recommended and safe to grow, the most popular being the Claret Ash, Fraxinus angustifolia 'Raywood' or the Golden Ash Fraxinus excelsior 'Aurea'. For advice on these and other sterile forms, ask at your local garden centre.

Alternative Plants


Photo: Gondwana Landscapes & Consultancy and State Flora]		Brachychiton 'Belladonna', 'Bella Pink', 'Jerilderie Red' or 'Griffith Pink' Brachychiton acerifolius x populneus Trees and Shrubs

	A beautiful native tree evergreen pyramid shaped tree growing to 5-8m high and 3-7m wide depending on the cultivar. The trees have cascades of bright pink to red bells in late spring and early summer. Leaves are bright red when young. The trunk is very large and the green lobed foliage creates a dense canopy.

Photo: Fleming's Nurseries		Callery Pears Pyrus calleryana 'Glen's Form' Chanticleer® Trees and Shrubs

	This is a superb ornamental pear with dense green foliage that turns gold, plum and burgundy in autumn. Growing to a height of 11 m, it is a popular specimen tree in parks and gardens. This species can tolerate quite dry conditions as well as intermittently wet, heavy soils.

Photo: Lorna Rose		Claret Ash Fraxinus angustifolia 'Raywood' Trees and Shrubs

	This sterile cultivar will grow 10–15 m high and is an ideal specimen tree for garden or street planting. A deciduous shade tree with leaves turning stunning deep claret red in autumn. Best planted in cool areas in fertile, well-drained soil. Will tolerate dry conditions once established and prefers full-sun.

Photo: Fleming's Nurseries		Crepe myrtle cultivars Lagerstroemia indica cultivars Trees and Shrubs

	Crepe myrtles are prolifically flowering deciduous trees with a sculptural form. Cultivars vary in size from 4 to 8m in height with spreading upright branches. Flowering occurs from mid-summer to autumn, followed by reddish leaves in autumn and peeling cinnamon-coloured bark which appears with maturity. Crepe myrtles are tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions and are resistant to powdery mildew. Popular cultivars include 'Tuscarora', 'Sioux', 'Biloxi', 'Zuni' and 'Yuma'.

Photo: Fleming's Nurseries		Sensation Maple Acer negundo 'Sensation' Trees and Shrubs

	This variety is sterile and does not self seed. Growing to 9 m high with lovely bronze-burgundy growing tips that mature to medium green in summer and become bright red in winter. A beautiful shade tree once established and will tolerate heat and drought.