Green Ash
Fraxinus pennsylvanica · Oleaceae (Olive family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Compound (specifically pinnately compound, typically with 5 to 9 leaflets; individual leaflets shown are simple within the compound structure)
Shape
Lanceolate to ovate with an acuminate tip
Margin
Serrate (finely toothed) along the upper half to two-thirds, often entire near the base
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Pinnate with a prominent central midrib and ascending lateral veins
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, pinnately compound leaves with finely toothed leaflets, distinctly winged single seeds (samaras), and leaf scars that are semicircular or D-shaped with the lateral buds sitting directly on top of the scar
Description
Green ash is a medium to large deciduous tree growing up to 70 feet tall with an irregular to rounded crown. It features gray-brown furrowed bark, purplish-brown twigs, and produces single-winged samara seeds. It is one of the most widely distributed ash trees in North America.
Habitat
Found primarily along streams, rivers, bottomland forests, and moist woodlands, though highly adaptable to urban soils and drier upland conditions
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, stretching from Nova Scotia west to Alberta, and south to Florida and Texas; widely planted as an urban shade tree