White Ash
Fraxinus americana · Deciduous Hardwood
Plant Family
Oleaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
None (Wild Species)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-9
About This Tree
A large, stately forest tree with a straight trunk and a rounded or pyramidal crown. It is known for its strong, elastic wood and rapid growth when young.
Leaf Characteristics
Opposite, pinnately compound with 5 to 9 leaflets. Leaflets are oval to lance-shaped, dark green on top and paler beneath, turning deep purple or yellow in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Greyish-brown with deep, corky furrows and ridges that form a distinctive interlacing diamond-shaped pattern on mature trees.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and Central North America
Growing Season
Leafs out late spring, flowers April to May before leaves, seeds ripen in autumn, enters dormancy in late fall after vibrant color change.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun; requires moderate moisture but is adaptable to various soil types, excluding extremely wet or swampy areas.
Mature Size
Height 50-80 feet, spread 40-50 feet, moderate to fast growth rate, can live 150-200 years.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for timber (baseball bats and tool handles) and striking autumn foliage. Currently threatened by the Emerald Ash Borer beetle.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides seeds for birds and small mammals (finches, squirrels, turkeys). It is a larval host for various moth species, including the Luna Moth.