White Ash
Fraxinus americana
Deciduous TreeAbout White Ash
White Ash is a large, native shade tree valued for its strong, elastic wood, which is the traditional choice for baseball bats, tool handles, and furniture. Like Green Ash, it is severely threatened by the emerald ash borer. White Ash is known for producing reliable purple to maroon fall color.
Quick Facts
How to Identify White Ash
- Compound leaves with 5-9 leaflets; leaflets have short stalks and smooth or finely toothed margins
- Opposite branching pattern
- Diamond-shaped, interlacing bark ridges similar to green ash but tighter
- Single-winged samaras in clusters
- Oval to rounded crown; reliable purple to deep maroon fall color
Care Guide
- Monitor for emerald ash borer and consider preventive insecticide treatment
- Prune in late fall or winter to maintain structure
- Water deeply during dry periods
- Rake and remove fallen leaves to reduce ash decline pathogens
- Consider the long-term viability of ash trees given EAB before planting
Known Issues (1)
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