Green Ash
Fraxinus pennsylvanica · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Oleaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Street Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Likely the straight species or a common cultivar such as 'Summit' or 'Patmore'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 9; extremely cold hardy and adaptable to various soil pH levels.
About This Tree
A medium-sized deciduous tree with an upright, spreading to irregular crown. It features a straight trunk and opposite branching. Known for its pyramidal shape when young, becoming more rounded with age, and its adaptability to harsh urban conditions.
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound, usually 5-9 leaflets; leaflets are ovate to lanceolate, 2-5 inches long, medium green turning golden-yellow in fall; arrangement is opposite; margins are finely serrated.
Bark Characteristics
Grey-brown in color; develops a distinctive diamond-shaped furrowed pattern as it matures; younger branches may be smoother or slightly fuzzy (pubescent).
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Eastern and Central North America, highly adapted to plains and urban environments
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring (often later than other hardwoods), flowers in early spring before leaves, seeds ripen in autumn, goes dormant by late October
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun preferred; high drought tolerance once established but prefers moist, well-drained soils; can tolerate occasional flooding.
Mature Size
50-70 feet tall with a spread of 35-50 feet; fast growth rate when young, slowing with age; lifespan up to 100-150 years.
Special Characteristics
Historically used heavily for urban landscaping due to salt and pollution tolerance; however, highly susceptible to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), which has decimated populations across North America.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides seeds (samaras) for birds like finches and grosbeaks; foliage is a larval host for several sphinx moth species; provides nesting sites for cavity-nesting birds if older wood is present.