White Ash
Fraxinus americana · Deciduous hardwood
Plant Family
Oleaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type (Wild type)
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, demonstrating excellent cold hardiness and broad climatic adaptability.
About This Tree
A large, graceful deciduous tree with an upright, oval to rounded crown at maturity. Features strong branching habits, pinnately compound leaves, and distinctive furrowed bark forming diamond-shaped patterns.
Leaf Characteristics
Oppositely arranged, pinnately compound leaves typically 8 to 15 inches long with 5 to 9 leaflets. Leaflets are oval to lance-shaped, stalked, with finely toothed or entire margins, dark green above and paler underneath.
Bark Characteristics
Dark gray to brownish-gray bark with deep, narrow furrows creating a distinct diamond-shaped pattern on mature trunks. The ridges are often flattened on top.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and central North America, extending from Nova Scotia west to Minnesota, and south to northern Florida and eastern Texas.
Growing Season
Leafs out relatively late in spring, displays purple to yellow fall color, drops leaves early in autumn, and remains dormant through winter. Best planted in early spring.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained, rich soils, though it shows moderate tolerance to different soil types and some drought once established.
Mature Size
Reaches heights of 50 to 80 feet with a spread of 40 to 70 feet. Growth rate is moderate to fast, with a lifespan often exceeding 100 years under ideal conditions.
Special Characteristics
Renowned for its strong, shock-resistant wood historically used for tool handles, baseball bats, and furniture. Displays attractive fall colors ranging from yellow to deep purple.
Wildlife & Ecology
Supports various wildlife, including seeds eaten by birds and small mammals, and serves as a host plant for numerous native lepidopteran species, though currently threatened by the emerald ash borer.