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White Ash Fraxinus americana
Olive Oleaceae family
Leaves are compound, 5 - 9 leaflets (commonly 7). The end leaflet is usually larger than the others. Leaflets are whitened underneath, either not toothed or slightly toothed, stalked, and often they are somewhat shiny. Leaves 8 - 12" long.
Flowers appear fuzzy in April.
Fruit is a blunt-tipped, hard seed, with a thin, long, narrow tail attached.
Twigs are opposite, smooth, with a deep tan stubby end bud that has a small notch in it. The leaf scar is a deep "U" shape. Twigs are thick, round, and hairless. Look for "fat" branches and twigs when you look up at an ash tree.
Bark is dark with an interwoven pattern of narrow furrows and shallow ridges.
Form/Habitat: White ash is common large tree in our area, 70 - 80' tall, and 2 - 3' in diameter. White ash is an upland tree.
Winter Identification: Look for twigs with several spots and bark with bumpy appearance and tight curving furrows.
NWI Status: FACU
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