A very large and fast growing shade tree, adaptable to many sites. Growth is strongly upright, spreading with age. Compound leaves with five to nine leaflets, usually dark green. Bark is ash gray with furrows forming diamond-shaped areas. Fall color outstanding, ranges from yellow to deep purple and maroon,depends on individual tree genetics and soil type.One of the first trees to color. Many pest and disease problems can attack ash, including Emerald Ash Borer. Consult with an arborist before making an important tree choice: not recommended to plant new saplings, but worthwhile to protect healthy trees. Separate male and female trees, the female bears fruit. Host to four specialist sphinx moths.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
White Ash
Fraxinus americana
Plant Type: Trees
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Purple, Red, Yellow
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade

Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate

Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects

Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Cover, Food/Birds, Nesting

Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
50 to
80
feet
Spread:
50 to
80
feet
Size
Height: 50 to
80
feet
Spread: 50 to
80
feet
Size
Height: 50 to
80
feet
Spread: 50 to
80
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Excellent shade tree!
Establishment and Care Instructions
Adaptable to almost any soil and transplants easily. Prune in fall.
Special Features
Interesting Bark
Special Usage
Salt Tolerant
Basic Description
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.