Fraxinus americana Royal Purple
Royal Purple Ash
Fraxinus americana ‘Royal Purple’ — commonly called Royal Purple White Ash — is a fast-growing, deciduous tree valued for its strong structure and rich fall color. It forms a broad, upright oval canopy with a straight trunk and well-spaced branches, creating an excellent shade tree. The compound leaves emerge medium to dark green, provide a full summer canopy, and turn deep shades of burgundy to purple in fall, often with strong, consistent color.
Mature Size:
Width: 40–50 ft
Height: 50–60 ft
USDA Zones: 3a–8b
Light: Full sun
Soil: Average, well-drained soils; adaptable to a wide range of soil types
Water: Moderate; tolerates some drought once established
Wildlife: Provides habitat and seeds for birds and wildlife
Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Upright oval canopy with a strong central leader
Rich purple to burgundy fall color
Fast-growing shade tree
Excellent for streets, lawns, and large landscapes
Provides dense summer shade
Maintenance:
Prune when young to develop strong structure
Monitor for pests, especially emerald ash borer
Benefits from consistent care during establishment
- Plant type
- Deciduous Tree, Street Tree
- Height
- 25-30'
- Width
- 30'-40'
- Hardiness zones
- 3–8
- Sunlight
- Full Sun
- Leaf color
- Green
- Fall color
- Purple
- Soil
- Average, Highly Adaptable, Well Drained
- Landscape use
- Accent Plant, Provide Shade, Specimen
- Shape
- Oval Upright
- Deer resistant
- Yes
- Drought tolerant
- No
