White Ash (American Ash)
Fraxinus americana · Oleaceae (Olive family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Pinnately compound deciduous leaf with typically 5 to 9 leaflets
Shape
Lanceolate to ovate leaflets
Margin
Finely serrate to entire
Arrangement
Opposite arrangement on the twig
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib and looping lateral veins
Key Features
Oppositely arranged, pinnately compound leaves with 5-9 stalked leaflets, distinctive crescent-shaped leaf scars, and deeply furrowed bark on mature trees
Description
White Ash is a large, majestic deciduous tree known for its strong, flexible wood and beautiful purple-to-red autumn foliage. The compound leaves feature distinct opposite leaflets that turn vibrant colors in the fall.
Habitat
Rich, moist, well-drained soils of deciduous forests, often found alongside maples and oaks
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, from Nova Scotia west to Minnesota, and south to Florida and Texas