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 5 to 9 leaflets per leaf
Margin
Serrate (finely toothed) to entire
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Pinnate
Key Features
Oppositely arranged pinnately compound leaves, distinctly stalked leaflets, and a deeply ridged, diamond-patterned bark on mature trees
Description
White Ash is a large, stately deciduous tree known for its strong, flexible wood and beautiful fall color. The compound leaves feature opposite leaflets that turn a brilliant array of purple, yellow, and red in autumn. The bark is distinctive with deep, interlacing diamond-shaped ridges.
Habitat
Rich mesic upland forests, moist soils along streams, and well-drained slopes in full sun to partial shade
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from Nova Scotia west to Minnesota, and south to Florida and Texas