White Ash
Fraxinus americana · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Oleaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type, no specific cultivar identified
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, demonstrating broad tolerance to various continental climate temperature extremes.
About This Tree
A medium to large deciduous tree with an upright, rounded to oval crown at maturity. It features stout branching and compound foliage that creates a moderately dense canopy.
Leaf Characteristics
Opposite, pinnately compound leaves typically featuring 5 to 9 stalked leaflets. Leaflets are ovate to lanceolate, 3 to 5 inches long, with finely serrated or entire margins and smooth green surfaces turning yellow or deep purple in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Gray to dark brown bark featuring distinct, diamond-shaped ridges separated by narrow interlacing furrows, creating a braided or cork-like texture that becomes more pronounced with age.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and central North America, well-adapted to rich mesic soils and upland forests
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring after most other trees, produces inconspicuous flowers in spring, develops purple to yellow fall color, and drops leaves early in winter dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils, though it exhibits moderate adaptability to varying moisture levels once established.
Mature Size
Expected mature height of 50 to 80 feet, with a spread of 40 to 70 feet, moderate to fast growth rate, and a lifespan ranging from 100 to 150 years.
Special Characteristics
Renowned for high wood elasticity and shock resistance, historically prized for tool handles, baseball bats, and furniture, though increasingly threatened by the emerald ash borer.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides crucial food and habitat for various wildlife, including seeds consumed by birds and small mammals, and serves as a host plant for numerous native lepidopteran larvae.