Green Ash

Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Oleaceae) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to eastern North America from Nova Scotia to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas, reaching 50 to 60 feet with a spread of about 65 feet. It is the most widely distributed and adaptable of all North American ash species. Opposite, pinnate compound leaves (30 centimeters) carry 5 to 9 leaflets (usually 7), with reddish-brown velvety winter buds. Fall color is yellow to golden bronze.

Green ash grows in part shade to sun on wet-tolerant soils (pH 5.0 to 8.1) with moderate water needs and medium drought tolerance, hardy in Zones 3a to 8b. It reaches about 35 feet at 20 years and tolerates flooding, clay, and urban conditions. Disease (8 documented) and pest (9 documented) associations match the genus. The emerald ash borer is the dominant threat. Cultivars include 'Patmore' (seedless, symmetrical oval, extremely cold-hardy), 'Marshall's Seedless' (the most commonly planted clone), and 'Urbanite' (dense pyramidal, bronze fall color).