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.

Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]

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.