White Ash
Fraxinus americana · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Oleaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree, Timber Tree
Variety / Cultivar
None (not identifiable from image; generic species)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 to 9; highly adaptable to various climates within North America.
About This Tree
A large, stately canopy tree with a broad, rounded to oval crown. It features a straight trunk and is known for its relatively fast growth rate in youth, slowing with age. It is a primary component of eastern hardwood forests.
Leaf Characteristics
Opposite, pinnately compound leaves usually 8 to 15 inches long with 5 to 9 (usually 7) leaflets. Leaflets are ovate to oblong, dark green above and paler underside, with smooth or slightly serrated margins. Fall color ranges from yellow to deep purple or maroon.
Bark Characteristics
On mature trees as seen in the image, the bark is ash-gray with deep, diamond-shaped furrows and interlacing ridges creating a distinctive criss-cross pattern.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and Central North America
Growing Season
Late spring leaf out (April-May), flowers in spring before leaves, seeds ripen in late summer, dormant in winter. Best planted in spring or fall.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun for best growth; prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soils but is adaptable to various soil types. Moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Mature height of 50 to 80 feet, with a spread of 40 to 70 feet. Growth rate is moderate. Lifespan typically 100 to 200 years (if protected from pests).
Special Characteristics
Produces high-quality timber used for baseball bats, tool handles, and furniture. Currently severely threatened in many areas by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Known for spectacular multi-colored fall foliage.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides food via seeds (samaras) for various birds like wood ducks, finches, and cardinals, as well as mammals like squirrels. It is a host plant for several species of sphinx moths and tiger swallowtail butterflies. Its loss due to EAB significantly impacts forest ecosystems.