Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Green Ash
General
This species can be used in streambank restorations and as a shade tree in residential landscaping. Important successional tree of the Eastern and Midwest hardwood forest. Green ash can withstand flooded soils, especially in floodplains. Species is being exterminated by an introduced insect called the Emerald Ash Borer.
Plant Description
This deciduous species has pinnately compound leaves, with 5-9 stalked leaflets per leaf. Mature bark is grey-brown and has diamond-shaped furrows. Fruits are wedge-shaped samaras.
Height (ft)
50-70
Spread (ft)
35-50
Soil moisture
Moist to wet
Soil types
Coarse to fine mineral soils
Wetland indicator
FACW
Shade tolerance
Full Sun to Full Shade
Bloom color
Green
Bloom period
Late Spring
Fall conspicuous
Yes
Anaerobic tolerance
Medium
Drought tolerance
Medium
Salinity tolerance
Low
Self-Pollinating?
No
Range
Widely distributed in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains.
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, an infusion of the inner bark has been used for depression and fatigue. The wood has been used for timber and material to make butter paddles and ball bats. The trunks of this tree has been used to create the medicine lodge for the Sun Dance ceremony. The wood has been used to make drying racks for meat and to make bow and arrows.