White Ash (American Ash)
Fraxinus americana · Oleaceae (Olive family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Pinnately compound (typically 5 to 9 leaflets), deciduous
Shape
Lanceolate to ovate leaflets with acuminate tips and cuneate bases
Margin
Serrate (toothed) to entire
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Pinnate venation with prominent midribs and branching lateral veins on each leaflet
Key Features
Opposite, pinnately compound leaves with 5-9 stalked leaflets, whitish undersides on the leaves, and distinctive diamond-ridged bark on mature trunks
Description
Fraxinus americana, the White Ash, is a large deciduous tree prized for its strong wood and attractive compound foliage. It features deeply furrowed bark in a diamond-pattern on mature trees, small dioecious flowers in spring, and single-winged samaras for seeds. Leaves turn a vibrant purple to yellow in autumn.
Habitat
Rich, moist, well-draining deciduous forests, often found along streams, ridges, and slopes under medium to full sunlight
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from Nova Scotia west to Minnesota, and south to Florida and eastern Texas