White Ash (Fraxinus americana)

Form

Large tree; average height 70 to 90 feet, diameter 1 to 2 feet, though larger trees can be found. Stout, upright branches form a narrow crown in the forest, and with sufficient space, a round-topped or pyramidal head.

Bark

Grayish-brown, rather thick on mature trees; narrow ridges are separated with marked regularities by deep, diamond-shaped fissures.

Leaf

Length 8 to 10 inches; compound and opposite on stem, consisting of 5 to 9 (usually 7) plainly stalked, sharp pointed leaflets; leaflets 3 to 5 inches long, smooth to rounded tooth along margin; dark green and smooth above, pale green or whitish beneath; leaf scar crescent shaped, extending up sides of new bud.

Fruit

A samara, length 1 to 1.25 inches; borne in clusters; seed bearing portion of the fruit is rounded in cross section and wing does not extend along its side; seeds mature in autumn of first year.

Range

Found over entire state on a variety of sites, but is most frequently found on fertile, well-drained sites.

Wood

Light brown, close grained, heavy, tough and elastic; preferred to all native woods for making tool handles and athletic and sports equipment; also used for agricultural implements, furniture interior finishes, posts, ties, fuel and for ornamental purposes.