#12
Accession Number: 0012-0000
Common Name: White Ash
Latin Name: Fraxinus americana
Family: Oleaceae (Olive Family)
Native Range: Eastern North America
Height: 60–80 feet
Spread: 60–80 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Description: Purplish
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3
Light Preference: Full sun
Water Needs: Medium
Notes: Works well as a shade tree, a street tree; attracts birds; tolerates deer
Description: White Ash is the largest of the native ashes, typically maturing to around 60-80’ tall. Primarily separate male and female trees, purplish flowers with no petals appear in April-May, prior to the characteristically late foliage emerges. Female flowers develop into drooping clusters of winged samaras (“propeller” fruits) that ripen in the fall and may cling to the tree throughout winter. Foliage turns yellow with purple shading in fall. White Ash is a valuable timber tree commercially used for tool handles, oars, garden furniture, and sports equipment.
