Green ash - Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Care, Characteristics, Invasive, Images)

Green ash

Also known as: Downy ash, Water ash

If you are looking for an excellent shade tree, consider planting a green ash. This tree is capable of completely blocking sunlight with its dense canopy of compound leaves, which make a brilliant yellow display in the fall. Aggressive growth of over 61 cm per year makes this a tree that can quickly be providing shade in your backyard.

Scientific classification

Species

Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)

Mints plantains olives and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Fall, Winter

Harvest Time

10 m to 20 m

Plant Height

11 m to 15 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

5 cm to 20 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Green, Copper

Fruit Color

Yellow, Green, Purple, White, Red, Lavender, Burgundy, Gold

Flower Color

Black

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Green ash

Attributes of Green ash

Growth Rate

In the active growing seasons of Spring and Summer, green ash manifests a rapid growth rate. This speed enables it to quickly develop lush leaf production and noticeable height increases. Sweeping transitions in tree architecture, such as vast branching, can be observed during these periods. Despite slight growth variations in other seasons, green ash still maintains expedited growth, highlighting its resilience. As an interesting horticultural aspect, this rapid growth often necessitates regular shaping and pruning to maintain green ash's aesthetic appeal.

Distribution of Green ash

Distribution Map

Green ash is native to the eastern United States and eastern Canada. It has been naturalized in parts of Europe. In nature, it grows near streams and in bottomlands, but it is also found commonly in public spaces as it is a popular landscaping ornamental throughout its range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Streambanks, floodplains, wet upland sites

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Green ash is known as one of the most commonly planted ornamental trees in North America and parts of South America. Its majestic and slow growth, as well as hardiness and resistance to disease, makes it a fabulous choice for urban areas, particularly along streets and in parks. The thick leaf coverage of the green ash tree makes for a nice shaded area in home gardens as well. Potential companion plants include spotted laurel, hostas, and ferns.

Symbolism

Protection, Prosperity, fertility, strength

Interesting Facts

Fallen leaves from the green ash are an important food source for certain types of tadpoles. As a result, frog populations are shrinking in some areas where the green ash is being replaced by red maple.

Name Story

Green ash: Green ash is named relative to the similar species white ash, which is also known as Fraxinus americana. As these two trees look alike, the best way to identify which of the two is green ash is by inspecting its branches. Newly grown branches are light green colored, and so it is called green ash.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Green ash

Thick, grayish-brown bark with diamond-shaped ridges.

Pinnately compound leaves with 7-9 ovate leaflets, serrated edges.

Inconspicuous, petal-less flowers in early spring.

Clusters of narrow, single-winged samaras hanging in late summer.

Stout stem with semicircular leaf scars and lateral buds on top.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Green ash

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Green ash originates from wetlands and riverbanks, thriving in consistently moist environments while resilient to dryness. Water green ash every 1-2 weeks, adjusting care according to seasonal changes—more hydration needed in spring and summer, less during fall dormancy.

Fertilize: For green ash, fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring and fall. Use high nitrogen during active growth. Apply quarterly, adjusting quantities for age: less for young, more for mature green ash. Tips: fertilize on moist soil, avoid trunk contact, and stop by late summer to prevent frost damage.

Pruning: Green ash is a deciduous tree with compound leaves and diamond-patterned bark. Prune in early spring, removing dead or crossing branches to enhance health and air circulation. Structural pruning supports a strong framework. Clean, sharp tools are essential for maintaining vigor and appearance in landscaping.

Propagation: Green ash is a hardy, deciduous tree that propagates well from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in midsummer. Use rooting hormone and maintain moisture in a well-draining medium, ideally in a humid environment. Once established, green ash offers robust growth and lush foliage, enriching diverse landscapes.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Green ash

Attributes of Green ash

Distribution of Green ash

Culture

Quickly Identify Green ash

Care Guide for Green ash

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases