89. Oozing Tree
Brighton and Hove are known for their elms, but on Western Road, look out for an interesting ash tree.
The Oozing Tree is a tenacious character. It is a frontline street tree standing on busy Western Road just east of Waitrose. Its exposed roots, which entirely fill the tree pit, resemble a petrified lava field. The tree is an elegant Raywood ash; look out for spectacular leaf colour in the autumn: a sea of crimson, gold and burgundy.
Species details
Raywood ash
Fraxinus angustifolia ‘Raywood’
Where to find it
Western Road, Brighton BN1 2LA
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‘Raywood’ ash notes
One of the most attractive commonly encountered trees, ‘Raywood’ ashes have been planted frequently on streets and in parks since the late twentieth century. They are a cultivar of the narrow-leaved ash with feathery leaves, much finer than those of the common European ash, which turn a series of brilliant colours from early autumn. They start purple, and then turn red before lightening through orange and gold. Unfortunately, they have a nasty habit of dropping branches unexpectedly, and being an ash they are susceptible to ash dieback, two reasons why they are no longer planted, so do look out for the splendid trees that abound in our towns and cities.
A date for your diary
At 7PM on the 21st February, I shall be giving an illustrated talk about street trees for the Hove Civic Society. Do come along, all are welcome and it’s free!
Join me at: Ralli Hall, 81 Denmark Villas, Hove BN3 3TH – it’s less than 100 metres from Hove station.
Raywoods are a beautiful cultivar, thanks for that reminder. Sadly, I’m too far from Hove to come to your talk, but if you ever do one by Zoom, I’d be there!