White Ash
Fraxinus americana
Oleaceae
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0 (2025-05-28)
Description
White Ash was once one of Buffalo's most common trees before the arrival of the Emerald Ash Borer. This native tree is valued for its strong, flexible wood and spectacular purple-yellow fall colors. It's an important part of the region's forest ecology.
Characteristics
Leaf Type
compound
Leaf Shape
pinnately compound with 5-9 leaflets (usually 7)
Height
70-80 feet
Bark
gray with distinctive diamond-shaped ridges
Fruit
paddle-shaped samaras in clusters
Identification Tips
- • Compound leaves with 5-9 leaflets
- • Diamond-shaped bark pattern
- • Opposite branching pattern
- • Leaflets have short stalks
- • Seeds in paddle-shaped clusters
Seasonal Changes
Spring
One of last trees to leaf out
Summer
Compound leaves create filtered shade
Fall
Purple to yellow fall color, early to drop
Winter
Diamond-patterned bark and opposite branching visible
Habitat & Growing Conditions
Hardiness Zones
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Soil Preference
rich, well-drained, moist
Sun Requirements
full sun
Image Gallery
Leaves
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0
Winter
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0