Fraxinus americana

Common Names

White Ash, American Ash, Canadian Ash, Biltmore White Ash, Biltmore Ash

Summary

Fraxinus americana, commonly White Ash, is a large native deciduous tree of eastern North America that typically grows 50–80 feet tall with a dense, rounded to oval crown and a straight trunk; gray bark features diamond-shaped ridges, and leaves are opposite and pinnately compound with 5–9 leaflets, dark green above with pale undersides, fading to yellow to purple in fall; flowers are inconspicuous and unisexual on separate trees, and winged samaras 2.5–5 cm long mature in fall, aiding wind dispersal; the wood is tough, elastic, and highly valued for handles, oars, baseball bats, and other timber products. Preferring fertile, moist, well-drained loams, it tolerates a wide range of soils and pH and grows best in full sun, making it a common shade, street, or ornamental tree in parks and gardens; it can sprout from stumps and yields good seed crops every 2–3 years, with many cultivars developed for fall color and form, including seedless selections; however, major threats include emerald ash borer (which can kill within 3–5 years), ash yellows, borers, rusts, leaf spots, and cankers, necessitating vigorous maintenance and appropriate site selection to maintain vigor.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

50-80 feet

Spread

40-80 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial sun, partial shade, and full shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels, no specific ideal pH, adapts to a broad range from acidic to alkaline

Bloom Color

Green to purplish

Bloom Time

Spring (April–May)

Foliage Color

Dark green leaves with whitish undersides.

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow to purple

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast-growing, about 1–2 feet per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, butterflies, other pollinators