White Ash

Scientific name

Fraxinus americana

Description

White Ash is a fast growing deciduous tree species that can grow up to 30 m in height. The bark is gray and has a distinctive diamond pattern. The twigs are noticeably thick. The leaves are oppositely arranged, pinnately compound, dark green above, light green below, have entire margins, and have about seven lanceolate shaped leaflets. The flowers are purple, appear in clusters, and bloom between April and May. The seeds are winged samaras that appear in drooping clusters and ripen in the fall. White Ash provides excellent shade when mature and produces attractive fall colors. Ash tree species in North America are very susceptible to the Emerald Ash Borer, an insect species native to Asia, which can kill infested trees over several years.

Planting conditions

White Ash grows best in moist to normal conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It prefers fertile, well-drained loam soil types. Tolerant of urban environments, poorly drained soil, a variety of soil types, and a range of pH levels. May be intolerant of strong winds and drought. This tree can be naturally found in forests, forest edges, wet fields, rocky slopes, and along stream or lake shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Normal
  • Moist
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Basic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
• Plant type:
  • Tree
• Height:
  • 30 m
• Spread:
  • 5 m