Look at my small willow.

samuelsmiles · #1 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010, 06:17 PM

Please could anyone help me identify this willow tree that grows in my local B&Q. I really would like to either buy one or grow one from seed for my smallish garden.

It's a beautiful shape and has dark green leaves from Spring until now when they turn this deep red.

Thank you.

Paul mabbott · #2 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010, 06:19 PM

Are you sure it's a willow? A close up of leaves/fruit might be useful.
PS: sorry, you've done that. Sorry, I don't know .... I had thought it might be an ash ....

alinicoll · #3 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010, 06:44 PM

Its Fraxinus ornus the Mana Ash. Looking splendid this year!!

Dorts · #4 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010, 06:52 PM

Manna Ash. Loved by Supermarkets for their car-parks.
Dorts.

samuelsmiles · #5 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010, 07:54 PM

Thank you very much for your help, I can now begin my search to buy one.

Regards, Chris

samuelsmiles · #6 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010, 08:03 PM

Hello again, I've just done some googling regarding the manna ash and the leaves don't seem to match.

The leaves on the tree in the car-park that I was assuming was a willow are a lot thinner just like the other willow species....?

This is a picture of a manna ash tree.

And this is a close up of my mystery tree.

treewee · #7 (**permalink**) 13-10-2010, 05:15 AM

It's Fraxinus angustifolia...Raywood ash.

samuelsmiles · #8 (**permalink**) 13-10-2010, 10:19 AM

treewee and everyone who replied, thank you very much, yes it's definately a Raywood Ash and there will definately be a place in my garden for one soon.

Regards, Chris

Cotham Marble · #9 (**permalink**) 13-10-2010, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samuelsmiles

treewee and everyone who replied, thank you very much, yes it's definately a Raywood Ash and there will definately be a place in my garden for one soon. Regards, Chris

I don't suppose you could be persuaded instead to choose the native Acer campestre - Field Maple, which also has fantastic Autumn colour, but also has good wildlife support value:

see: Field Maple (Acer campestre): native boundary hedge plant

Field maple - Acer campestre - Natural England

CM

treewee · #10 (**permalink**) 13-10-2010, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samuelsmiles

treewee and everyone who replied, thank you very much, yes it's definately a Raywood Ash and there will definately be a place in my garden for one soon.

Regards, Chris

I hope you have a large garden

If you do choose one you should be aware they can have a tendency to produce acute-angled branch unions which are inherently weak.

Try and choose one with a nice even crown and be prepared for some formative pruning.