Ash, American White

(Fraxinus americana)

North America

The growth range of the species is limited to Eastern United States and Canada. The White Ash is one of the largest of the ash genus Fraxinus, growing to 35 m tall. It is native to eastern North American hardwood forests, found in mesophytic forests from Quebec to northern Florida. The name White Ash apparently derives from the glaucous undersides of the leaves. The leaves are 20-30 cm long, pinnately compound with 7 (occasionally 5 or 9) leaflets, 6-13 cm long. They turn yellow, red or purple in the fall. Cultivars which have superior fall color include 'Autumn Applause' and 'Autumn Purple'.

Ash is quite similar to Red Oak in appearance. The heartwood is light cream to light brown, strong, and straight-grained.