White Ash
Fraxinus americana
A larger, finer forest ash than green ash, with excellent purple-bronze fall color and the continent's premier bat and tool-handle timber. Equally susceptible to emerald ash borer, which has made it a high-priority species for treatment or proactive removal. Prefers richer, better-drained soils.
Field reference
Family
Oleaceae
Growth rate
Moderate
Mature size
50–80 ft tall, 40–60 ft spread
Hardiness zone
3–9
Soil preference
Deep, moist, well-drained loam; less tolerant of wet sites than green ash
Sun
Full sun
Pruning window
Mid-winter (dormant) or late summer
Wood properties
Premium strong, elastic, shock-resistant ring-porous wood (~0.60 SG) — the wood of baseball bats. Strong unions, but EAB-killed wood loses integrity rapidly.
Native range
Eastern North America, Nova Scotia to northern Florida and west to Minnesota
Green weight
53 lb/ft³
Pests & diseases to watch
Common questions
How do I tell white ash from green ash?
White ash leaf undersides are distinctly pale, and its leaf scars are notched (a 'C' under the bud), versus straight across in green ash. White ash also favors drier, richer upland sites.
Is white ash worth saving from EAB?
High-value, healthy white ash respond well to systemic insecticide injections. Begin treatment before a third of the canopy is lost for the best results.
Related species in Oleaceae
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