Broadleaf Deciduous Trees
Fraxinus americana
White Ash
Oleaceae
Eastern North America (Nova Scotia to N Florida, west to Minnesota/E Texas; upland forests)
At a Glance
TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height50-80 feet (15-24 m)
Width40-60 feet (12-18 m)
Maturity30 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
3 - 9Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Drought Tolerant
Native to North America
Maintenancemoderate
Overview
Fraxinus americana is a large, upright to broadly oval, deciduous tree reaching 50–80 feet (15–24 m) tall with a spread of 40–60 feet (12–18 m). This is the largest and most widely distributed native ash in North America. The leaves are pinnately compound with 5–9 (usually 7) leaflets, each 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) long, dark green above and pale whitish-green below (the pale underside distinguishes it from other ash species). The fall color is purple to maroon-red to yellow—variable by individual tree but among the best fall color of any ash species. The bark is gray-brown with a distinctive diamond-furrowed pattern on mature trunks. The flowers are inconspicuous, dioecious (separate male and female trees), in April–May. Female trees produce winged samaras 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long in fall. Growth rate is moderate to fast—12–24 inches (30–60 cm) per year. CRITICAL: severely threatened by emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis)—entire populations have been destroyed across eastern North America. Hardy to zone 3.
Native Range
Fraxinus americana is native to eastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to northern Florida and west to Minnesota and eastern Texas, in rich, moist, well-drained upland forests and bottomlands.Suggested Uses
Planted as a large shade tree in parks, large landscapes, and streets—where EAB management is feasible. The fall color (purple to maroon-red) and fast growth are the primary features. Male cultivars are preferred to avoid samara litter. Functions as a native shade tree. CRITICAL LIMITATION: emerald ash borer has decimated ash populations—planting is not recommended in areas without an EAB management plan. Not suitable for small gardens, wet sites (root rot), or areas where EAB treatment is not feasible.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height50' - 80'
Width/Spread40' - 60'
Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years
Colors
Flower Colors
green
Foliage Colors
green
Fall Foliage Colors
purple
red
yellow
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~2 weeksJ
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Spring
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark green above, pale whitish-green below; purple to maroon-red to yellow fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Medium
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
20-30 years
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soils but grows best in deep, fertile conditions. Hardy to zone 3. Moderate to fast growth. CRITICAL: emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis) has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees across eastern North America since its introduction around 2002. Planting ash in areas with EAB presence requires ongoing insecticide treatment or acceptance of probable tree loss. Consult local extension services before planting.Pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring. Develop a strong central leader when young—ash wood is moderately brittle and poorly attached branches may fail in storms. Remove narrow-angle branch crotches. Raise the canopy by removing lower branches as the tree matures.Pruning Schedule
J
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winterearly spring