Purple Ash Tree Facts: Everything You Need to Know About This Beautiful Tree

If you're looking for a beautiful and unique tree to add to your landscaping, the purple ash tree might be the perfect choice. With its striking purple leaves and distinctive bark, this tree is sure to make a statement in any yard. But there's more to this tree than just its looks. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some interesting facts about the purple ash tree.

The Purple Ash Tree: A Brief Introduction

The purple ash tree, also known as the Fraxinus americana 'Junginger', is a deciduous tree that is native to North America. It belongs to the olive family, and it can grow to be up to 50 feet tall with a spread of around 15 to 20 feet. The tree gets its name from its distinctive purple leaves, which are a unique feature among ash trees.

Purple Ash Leaves: What Makes Them Purple?

One of the most striking features of the purple ash tree is its purple leaves. But what causes these leaves to be purple? The answer lies in the pigments that are present in the leaves. Like other plants, ash trees produce a pigment called chlorophyll, which gives leaves their green color. However, in the case of the purple ash, there are also other pigments present in the leaves that give them their purple hue.

The exact nature of these pigments is still not fully understood, but scientists believe that they may be anthocyanins, which are pigments that are commonly found in flowers and fruits. Anthocyanins can produce a range of colors, including purple, red, and blue, depending on their concentration and pH levels. Whatever the precise nature of the purple pigments in the leaves, there's no denying that they make the purple ash tree a truly unique and beautiful specimen.

The Bark of the Purple Ash Tree: Another Striking Feature

The leaves of the purple ash tree aren't the only thing that sets it apart from other ash trees. The tree's bark is also quite distinctive, with its grayish-brown color and diamond-shaped furrows. The bark is relatively smooth when the tree is young, but as it ages, it becomes more rough and deeply furrowed.

The bark of the purple ash tree is not only visually interesting, but it also has practical applications. Native Americans used the bark of ash trees for various medicinal purposes, including treating fevers, colds, and snakebites.

Growing and Caring for Purple Ash Trees

If you're thinking about adding a purple ash tree to your landscape, it's important to know how to care for it properly. These trees require full sun and well-drained soil, and they are tolerant of a wide range of soil types. They are relatively low-maintenance trees, but they should be watered regularly during periods of drought and fertilized in the spring.

Purple ash trees are also susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, so it's important to keep an eye out for any signs of problems. Some of the most common pests that affect ash trees include emerald ash borers, ash plant bugs, and ash sawflies. If you notice any signs of infestation, it's important to take action as soon as possible to prevent the problem from spreading.

The purple ash tree is a beautiful and unique tree that is sure to make a statement in any yard. Whether you're looking for a new addition to your landscaping or simply want to learn more about this fascinating tree, there's plenty to discover. From its striking purple leaves to its distinctive bark and beyond, the purple ash tree is a true natural wonder.

A mature Purple Ash Tree

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