Footsteps in the Forest

Green Ash Tree

Fraxinus americana

Height: 50 to 70 feet

Evergreen/Deciduous: Deciduous  

Lifespan: Up to 150 years; occasionally longer

Fall Foliage: Moderately attractive yellow

Range: Most of the eastern United States, west as far as Texas, Montana and the adjacent portions of Canada  

Typical Habitat: A lowland species, but adaptable and widely planted as a street tree, so you may find it anywhere  

Green ash tree leaf

The Green Ash: Fast-Growing, Hardy & Adaptable   

The green ash is an important component of many forest ecosystems (particularly near rivers and other damp sites). But it is also a very popular tree with homeowners and landscapers, given its rapid growth rate and tolerance for a variety of growing conditions.

It can not only thrive in a variety of different soil compositions, but it will also survive in areas with compacted soil.

However, the green ash does present a few issues for humans. For starters, its root systems can become quite invasive, lifting sidewalks and damaging underground water pipes. It also releases an abundance of seeds, which benefit local wildlife (primarily birds), but cause litter problems for people.   

Green Ash Tree Identification: Tips & Tricks

The tree’s feather compound leaves distinguish it from the majority of other U.S. species, and their opposite arrangement distinguish this species from hickories and locusts.

Meanwhile, the lack of an enlarged terminal leaflet help distinguish it from the ash-leaf maple (Acer negundo).

Distinguishing the green ash from the white ash (Fraxinus americana) – the other common ash species that it most closely resembles – relies on looking at the bases of the leaflets. In the white ash, a very distinct petiole is present, while the petioles of green ashes are often flattened or winged, and they appear more like an extension of the leaf.  

The Green Ash: Additional Information

Need to learn more about the green ash? Check out these great resources:

Footsteps in the Forest is reader-supported. When you purchase products via links on our site, we may receive a small commission.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *