White Ash - Fraxinus americana - Outdoor Plants - Plant Encyclopedia Database at PlantCare.com

Latin Name: Fraxinus americana

Fraxinus americana, commonly known as White Ash, American Biltmore, or Biltmore Ash, is a deciduous forest tree and the largest North American ash species. White Ash is commonly seen in large outdoor landscapes such as public parks, school and university grounds, or golf courses. Its shock-resistant wood is famously used to manufacture baseball bats.

Unlike most American ashes, White Ash grows best not in swamps and marshes but rather in well-drained soils alongside rivers or in moist low woods. White Ash also appears in mixed forests rather than pure stands, growing in small clusters next to maple, beech, pine, and other trees.

White Ash is dioecious, which means that male and female flowers are produced by separate trees. These green or purple flowers are without petals and appear in early spring just before the leaves unfold. They are not very showy. Male White Ash trees flower annually, while female White Ash trees flower every three to five years.

White Ash was given its common name because of its leaves. They are pinnate compound leaves between eight and 14 inches long. Their three to five inch leaflets are always oddly numbered (five or nine but typically seven), oval or oblong in shape, dark green on top and whitish green beneath. Ergo White Ash.

White Ash leaves are very colorful in autumn, turning yellow, red, and purple. As ornamental trees, male White Ashes are often preferred to females, because the fruits produced in late summer by female trees can make for a messy lawn.
Uses: Shade tree, street tree, large landscapes
Flowering: No
Fragrant: No
Lighting Needs: Full Sun
Soil Type: Well Drained, Moist, Fertile, pH 5.0 to 7.5
Flower Color: Green, Purple
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Height: 480 to 960
Width: 480 to 840