White Ash
Fraxinus americana · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Oleaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree, Timber Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type / Standard species (e.g., 'Autumn Purple' is a common cultivar)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9.
About This Tree
A large, classic canopy shade tree featuring a straight trunk and a dense, symmetrical, round-to-oval crown. Highly regarded for its strong, shock-resistant wood and brilliant purple-red fall foliage, though natural populations are now severely threatened by the invasive emerald ash borer.
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound leaves, 8-15 inches long, typically with 5-9 (most commonly 7) stalked, oval-to-lanceolate leaflets. Margins are entire or finely serrated. Dark green on top, pale/glaucous underneath; turns deep purple, red, or yellow in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
As displayed in the image, mature bark features deep, interlacing, diamond-shaped furrows with firm, flat-topped ridges, giving a distinct crisscross or net-like gray-brown pattern.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern North America, ranging from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Texas and Minnesota.
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring (May), flowers appear before leaves, produces samaras in summer/fall, and drops foliage in autumn after displaying purple to golden-yellow hues.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for optimal growth. Prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soils, but displays moderate drought tolerance once fully established.
Mature Size
Reaches 60 to 80 feet in height with a spread of 40 to 50 feet. Fast-growing when young, slowing to a moderate rate; lifespan can exceed 100-200 years in healthy environments.
Special Characteristics
Produces exceptionally strong, flexible, and light hardwood historically prized for baseball bats, tool handles, and flooring. Highly susceptible to Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Outstanding fall color.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides essential seeds (winged samaras) for birds (finches, cardinals, grosbeaks) and small mammals (squirrels, mice). Serves as a host plant for larvae of various sphinx moths and swallowtail butterflies.