Vick, Albert F. W.
Fraxinus americana L.
White ash
Oleaceae (Olive Family)
Large
tree with straight trunk and dense, conical or rounded crown of foliage with whitish lower surfaces. White ash is a 75-120 ft., large-canopied,
deciduous tree with dense branching,
pinnate leaves, and early fall color. Leaves turn yellow, then change to purple in autumn.
The wood of White Ash is particularly suited for making baseball bats, tennis racquets, hockey sticks, polo mallets, oars, and playground equipment. A variation with hairs covering twigs, leafstalks, and underleaf surfaces has been called Biltmore Ash.
Image Gallery:
8 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Tree Breeding System: Flowers
Unisexual ,
Monoecious Leaf: Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Fruit: Green
Size Class: 36-72 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , Purple
Bloom Time: Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CO , CT , DE , FL , GA , HI , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NE , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: NB ,
NS ,
ON ,
PE ,
QC Native Distribution: N.S. to s.e. MN & e. NE, s. to n. FL & e. TX
Native Habitat: Rich, upland or lowland woods; well-drained stream banks; pastures
USDA Native Status: L48(N), HI(I), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Dry
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Deep, mesic soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay.
Conditions Comments: White ash has a medium growth rate. It is not as adaptable as green ash, but is considered superior as an ornamental. Susceptible, like many ashes, to a wide variety of disease and insect pests; these usually are not a problem to vigorously growing trees. Seedlings will tolerate quite a bit of shade, but if a full crown is desired, a generous amount of sun will be necessary as the
tree matures. Prune in fall.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Shade
tree, Fall conspicuous
Use Wildlife: Winged seeds attract song and game birds. Cover, Nesting site, Seeds-granivorous birds, Browse.
Use Other: Some tribes used the
bark to produce a yellow dye. (Kershaw)
Ash leaf juice has been recommended for soothing mosquito bites and bee stings. (Kershaw)
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Hickory Hairstreak (Satyrium caryaevorum), Mourning Cloak, Red-spotted Purple, Viceroy & Tiger Swallowtail
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Fraxinus americana is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2009-02-18
