White Ash
Fraxinus americana · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Oleaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree, Timber Tree
Variety / Cultivar
None (Wild type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-9
About This Tree
A large, stately forest tree with a straight trunk and a rounded to pyramidal crown. Known for its symmetrical branching and rapid growth when young, becoming a dominant canopy species at maturity.
Leaf Characteristics
Opposite, pinnately compound leaves usually with 5-9 leaflets. Leaflets are oval to lance-shaped with slightly serrated or smooth margins, dark green above and paler underside, turning yellow to deep purple in fall.
Bark Characteristics
Grayish-brown bark with a very distinctive interlacing diamond-shaped furrow pattern on mature trees. Younger bark is smoother and grayer.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and Central North America
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring, flowers before leaves emerge in April-May; enters dormancy in autumn (October).
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun is preferred; requires moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate moderate drought once established.
Mature Size
70-80 feet tall with a spread of 40-50 feet; moderate to fast growth rate; can live up to 200 years.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for timber (especially tool handles and baseball bats). Currently under severe threat from the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) throughout its range.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides seeds (samaras) for birds like wood ducks, finches, and cardinals; acts as a host plant for various sphinx moth larvae; provides nesting sites for cavity-nesting birds.