Tree Description
Green ashes are large forest trees that grow to 70 feet and have a trunk about 2 feet in diameter. They have spreading branches and an oval crown.
Range / Site Description
The green ash is a common bottomland tree that prefers moist, fertile soils. It is found across the eastern third of Texas, as far west as the Guadalupe River.
Leaf
The leaves are compound and opposite, 10” to 12” long, with 7-9 leaflets arranged pinnately. The leaflets are 2” to 6” long and 1” to 2” wide, short-stalked, ovate to lanceolate in shape, pointed at the tip, and with smooth or faintly-toothed margins. The leaf color is dark green above and light green below, turning yellow in the fall.
Flower & Fruit
Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. Female flowers grow in loose clusters. Male flowers appear as dark clusters of stamens near the ends of twigs.
The fruit consists of a flat, winged “samara”
Interesting Facts
Green ash is the most widespread ash species in North America.
Species Summary
| Scientific Name: | Fraxinus pennsylvanica |
| Secondary Names: | Red Ash |
| Tree Type: | Deciduous |
| Dimensions: | Height: 70 feet Trunk Diameter: 2 feet |
| Leaf Structure: | Compound and opposite |
| Leaf Size: | 10-12 inches long with individual leaflets 2-6 inches long and 1-2 inches wide |
| Leaf Shape: | Ovate to lanceolate |
| Leaf Margin: | Smooth or faintly-toothed |
| Additional Information: | iNaturalist – Green Ash |
Source: Texas A&M Forest Service Trees of Texas -Green Ash