The Green Ash is one of the first trees to change color and drop its leaves in autumn. It is often used as an urban tree, but can have problems in urban settings due to soil compaction, pollution, and drought stress. The Green Ash is typically found growing naturally in bottom lands along streams in the eastern United States.

Bark: The young bark is usually flaky; forms tall interlacing ridges and becomes deeply furrowed with age. The mature bark is ash-gray in color, lime green at first, then matures to a deep russet. It forms diamond-shaped patterns separated by narrow, interlacing ridges.

Foliage: The 12 inch long leaves are opposite, pinnately compound and have five to nine leaflets. The leaflets are medium to dark green in color in the summer and bright yellow in autumn starting about October.

Flowers: The dioecious flowers of the Green Ash bloom a green-reddish purple in April and are born on old wood.

Fruit: The fruit, a samara, is 1 - 2 inches long and tan in color. It matures in September to October scattering over winter.

---

More Information

Tree ID Number:	413
Scientific Name:	Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Mature Height:	50 - 60ft.
Canopy Spread (Diameter):	25 - 30ft.
Branching Shape:	Irregular
Growth Rate:	Fast
Wood Strength:	Tough, elastic, straight-grained
Cold Hardiness Zone:	3-9
Soil Moisture Requirements:	Wet, Moist, Dry
Light Requirements:	Sun
Common Pests:	Carpenter worm, lilac borer, lilac leafminer, ash borer, brown-headed ash sawfly, fall webworm, ash flowergall, oyster shell scale, scurfy scale, leaf rusts, leaf spots, and cankers.
Comments:	Suggested uses for this plant include a landscape shade tree or in groups as a windbreak.

Find this tree on the Campus Map

---

<< Previous Tree • All Trees • Next Tree >>