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Green Ash

Fraxinus pennsylvanica

Deciduous Tree

About Green Ash

Green Ash is one of the most widely planted shade trees in North America, valued for its adaptability to a broad range of conditions. It is now severely threatened by the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees across the continent.

Quick Facts

Native Range
Eastern and Central North America
Hardiness Zones
2-9
Mature Height
50-60 feet
Growth Rate
Fast
Sun Requirements
Full sun
Soil Preference
Moist, well-drained soils; tolerates wet and clayey conditions

How to Identify Green Ash

  • Compound leaves with 5-9 serrated leaflets
  • Diamond-patterned bark with interlacing ridges
  • Single-winged samaras in dense clusters
  • Opposite branching pattern (distinguishes ash from most other trees)
  • Rounded to irregular crown

Care Guide

  • Monitor closely for emerald ash borer; preventive treatments are available
  • Prune in late fall or winter to reduce disease transmission
  • Water deeply during dry periods
  • Consider whether to plant new ash trees given ongoing EAB threat
  • Remove and properly dispose of infested trees to slow beetle spread

Known Issues (1)

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