Name that tree in the street

Q: I enjoy the trees on 35th Avenue Northeast in Lake City behind the Fred Meyer store. They are so tall and graceful, and this time of year they look so feathery with gorgeous purple leaves — they seem to go from green to purple, skipping any yellow or orange phase. What the heck are they?!

A: The trees lining 35th Northeast are flame or claret ash (Fraxinus angustifolia 'Raywood'), which turn a stunningly rich shade of bronzey-purple in autumn. If you can tear your eyes away from the foliage, you'll see that their roots are heaving up the sidewalk, so they are probably not the best street trees despite their beauty.

The variety 'Raywood' needs full sun and moderate amounts of water, and it grows quickly to 35 feet tall (or so say the books — many of the trees along 35th look much taller than that).

Q: What are the bright red plants growing in the median along Sandpoint Way?

A: Burning bush is the common name for this shrub, which has scarlet fall color striking enough to earn a place in the garden, but is sturdy enough for median and parking lot plantings. Euonymus alata 'Compactus' grows to 10 feet, with dense, twiggy growth, handsome bark, and ordinary green leaves in summer.

Q: I want more fall color in my garden but don't have room for trees or even large shrubs. Any suggestions?

A: Draw autumn color into your garden with the Japanese idea of borrowed scenery. If a nearby greenbelt, neighbor's yard, or parking strip has good fall color, frame that view with an arbor or strategically placed plantings.

Ideal for the small garden are plants that put on a flashy autumn show without taking up much space. Candidates include laceleaf Japanese maples (Acer palmatum 'Dissectum' and other cultivars) which turn to shades of pure gold through hot red, Viburnum opulus 'Nanum,' dwarf Fothergilla (F. gardenii), oakleaf hydrangea (H. quercifolia) and the layered, slow-growing Enkianthus campanulatus.

To ensure vibrant fall color, it is a good idea to buy plants late in the season when their foliage has turned, for plants are individuals and even within a species vary greatly in how much and which colors they take on as the weather cools.

Valerie Easton also writes about Plant Life in Sunday's Pacific Northwest Magazine. Call 206-464-8470 or e-mail planttalk@ seattletimes.com with your questions. Sorry, no personal replies.