White Ash
Fraxinus americana · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Oleaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
None (Wild-type species)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-9
About This Tree
A large, stately forest tree with a tall, straight trunk and a rounded to pyramidal crown. Known for its opposite branching and compound leaves, it is a dominant species in many hardwood forests.
Leaf Characteristics
Opposite, pinnately compound leaves typically 8-15 inches long with 5-9 leaflets. Leaflets are oval to lance-shaped with slightly serrated or smooth margins, dark green on top and lighter green beneath, turning yellow or deep purple in fall.
Bark Characteristics
On young trees like this, bark is smooth and grayish-brown; as it matures, it develops a highly distinctive diamond-shaped furrowed pattern with tight ridges.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and Central North America
Growing Season
Late spring leaf-out, autumn leaf drop; flowers appear before leaves in April-May; dormancy in winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soils but is moderately drought tolerant once established.
Mature Size
70-80 feet tall with a spread of 40-50 feet; growth rate is moderate; can live up to 200 years.
Special Characteristics
Extremely important timber species for tool handles and baseball bats due to shock resistance; currently threatened by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer beetle.
Wildlife & Ecology
Seeds (samaras) provide food for birds and small mammals; leaves are the primary food source for many sphinx moth larvae. Cavity-nesting birds use mature specimens.