White Ash
Fraxinus americana · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Oleaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
None (wild type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-9
About This Tree
A large, stately forest tree with a symmetrical, rounded to pyramidal crown. Known for its strong, resilient wood and deep green canopy. Young specimens like the one pictured show a straight trunk and opposite branching pattern.
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound leaves, usually 5-9 leaflets (typically 7). Leaflets are ovate to oblong-lanceolate, 2-6 inches long, with entire or slightly serrated margins. Arrangement is opposite. Dark green above, lighter green/whitish underneath.
Bark Characteristics
On young trees (as pictured), bark is smooth and greyish-green to grey. As it matures, it develops a highly distinctive diamond-shaped furrowed pattern with flat-topped ridges.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and Central North America
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring, flowers in April-May before leaves, drops leaves early in autumn after turning purple or yellow.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade when young. Requires well-drained, moist, loamy soils; moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
70-80 feet height, 40-50 feet spread; fast growth rate when young, slowing with age. Can live over 200 years.
Special Characteristics
Produces exceptional timber used for baseball bats and tool handles. Highly susceptible to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive beetle causing widespread mortality. Fall color ranges from yellow to deep burgundy/purple.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides seeds (samaras) for birds like wood ducks, finches, and Grosbeaks. Larval host for several sphinx moths. Twigs and bark are eaten by rabbits, porcupines, and deer.