Green Ash
Fraxinus pennsylvanica · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Oleaceae (Olive family)
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Street Tree, Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Native species (Commonly 'Summit' or 'Marshall' in urban settings, though likely native here)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 9; extremely hardy and adaptable to varying temperatures and urban pollution.
About This Tree
A medium to large sized tree with a broadly rounded or irregular crown and a straight trunk. Features opposite branching and relatively dense foliage. Growth rate is fast when young, tapering to medium as it matures.
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound, usually 5 to 9 leaflets. Leaflets are oval to lance-shaped, 2-4 inches long, with finely serrated or smooth margins. Arrangement is opposite. Color is medium green in summer, turning yellow in the fall.
Bark Characteristics
Ash-gray to gray-brown. On mature trees, it forms a distinctive 'diamond' pattern of ridges and deep furrows. Texture is corky and firm.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Eastern and Central North America, from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Alberta and Texas.
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring (often the last to do so), flowers in April-May before leaves, produces samara fruits in late summer, and enters dormancy in early autumn after yellowing of foliage.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun preferred; Highly adaptable to various soil types. Prefers moist, well-drained soils but is very tolerant of flooding and poor drainage.
Mature Size
Mature height of 50-70 feet with a canopy spread of 35-50 feet. Trunk diameter can reach 1.5 to 3 feet. Lifespan is typically 50-100 years.
Special Characteristics
Known for high salt and pollution tolerance. Historically a popular street tree, though currently highly susceptible to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), which is a significant threat to the species.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides seeds (samaras) for birds (finches, grosbeaks) and small mammals. Acts as a larval host for various silk moths. Currently serves as a major focus for conservation due to habitat loss from invasive beetles.