White Ash (American Ash)
Fraxinus americana · Oleaceae (Olive family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Pinnately compound, deciduous
Shape
Lanceolate to ovate leaflets, typically with 5 to 9 leaflets per leaf
Margin
Serrate (toothed) to entire (smooth)
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Pinnate
Key Features
Opposite, pinnately compound leaves usually with 5-7 stalked leaflets, distinctive diamond-patterned bark on mature trees, and U-shaped leaf scars.
Description
The White Ash is a large, graceful deciduous tree known for its strong, flexible wood and attractive compound leaves. It features an upright, oval crown at maturity, greyish bark with diamond-shaped ridges, and produces winged seeds known as samaras.
Habitat
Rich mesic upland forests, moist soils along streams, and deciduous woodlands with well-drained loamy soils.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from Nova Scotia west to Minnesota, and south to northern Florida and eastern Texas.