A white ash Courtesy G. Lumis	Leaf of a white ash Courtesy G. Lumis	Bark of white ash Courtesy G. Lumis

Scientific Name: Fraxinus americana

Summary
Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 50 to 80 feet
Spread: 40 to 80 feet
Shape: Spreading

The large, dark green, compound leaves of this tree turn yellow to purple in fall.

Plant Needs
Zone: 3 to 9
Light: Full sun
Moisture: Moist
Soil Type: Sandy or loam
pH Range: 3.7 to 7.0

Functions
Suggested uses for this plant include shade, street tree, and specimen plant.

Planting Notes
Transplants readily. Not tolerant of clay or poorly-drained soils. Plant in full sun. Select seedless varieties over standard ones.

Care
If required, prune in fall. Canker and dieback may occur for no apparent reason and may occasionally cause dead wood. Dead wood can be pruned anytime of year.
Click here to learn how to improve the soil.

Problems
Susceptible to many problems; however, vigorous, healthy trees can avoid most problems.
Borers and scale insects are the most common insect problems. Anthracnose and rust are common disease problems.

Alternatives
Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Cultivars of FRAXINUS AMERICANA
`Rose Hill' is seedless and has a bronze-red fall color.
`Autumn Purple' is seedless with a deep purple fall color.

Comments
White Ash does not grow as fast as Green Ash, but it will eventually become a larger tree.
It develops a purple fall color. A native tree for large areas. Not used much by homeowners because of potential pests and its large size.

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.