Gardening
Trees
Ash Tree Identification, Growing Tips, and Varieties
By
Vanessa Richins Myers
Vanessa Richins Myers
Vanessa Richins Myers has a BS in horticulture and over 10 years of training and experience as a professional horticulturist and gardener.
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Updated on 02/22/23
Reviewed by
Sonya Harris
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Reviewed bySonya Harris
Sonya Harris is an award-winning gardening expert with two decades of experience teaching and sharing her extensive knowledge about small space gardening. She is a Master Gardener and founder of the award-winning Bullock Garden Project in New Jersey. Sonya has written for Martha Stewart Living, won South Jersey Magazine’s One to Watch Award, and is also a member of The Spruce Gardening andPlant Care Review Board.
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Ash trees are in the Fraxinus genus within the olive (Oleaceae) family of woody plants. They are often used as shade, lawn, and street trees and were once the most-planted urban trees across the United States. Ash trees are easy to identify by their opposite branching—not many trees have this—and their compound leaves consist of clusters of leaflets. The trees also tend to have distinctive bark that varies by species.
Ashes aredioecious trees, meaning individual trees contain either male or female parts, but not both. Male trees are the best choice if you do not want the messiness of the fruit/seeds. The fruits on ash trees are samaras, similar to the winged seeds ofmaples,andthey are usually grouped in clusters on the stem. This tree's symbolism has been tied to folklore and ancient Celtic, Greek, Chinese, and Norse religions as a tree of protection, balance, healing, and rebirth.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
- The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a devastating pest that has destroyed millions of ash trees in at least 35 states.
- The adult beetle (Agrilus planipennis) causes little damage but its eggs hatch and larvae feed on the inner tissues of the tree, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients, gradually killing the tree.
- Trees should be treated with insecticides before they are infested because the pest kills all trees unprotected with insecticide.
Here are several species of ash trees used as shade, lawn, and street trees.
01 of 13
Black Ash
Black ash (Fraxinus nigra) is a tree native to eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. with high wildlife value. Birds and animals eat the seeds and deer and moose feed on the branches and leaves, The thick gray bark becomes fissured and scaly as the tree ages. It has seven to 13 leaflets per compound leaf group, and the foliage turns yellow in the fall. Unfortunately, black ash is highly susceptible to emerald ash borer.
- Name: Black ash (Fraxinus nigra)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:2-9
- Mature Size:50-65 ft. tall and wide
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, sandy, loamy; acidic to slightly alkaline
- Susceptibility to Emerald Ash Borer: Very high
02 of 13
Green Ash
Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), also called red ash, swamp ash, and water ash, is one of the most common ash trees in eastern and northern North America. It grows in various soil conditions and is especially forgiving of conditions like pollution and salt in urban areas. The gray-brown bark forms a diamond-like pattern. The medium-green leaves include five to nine leaflets, turning variable shades of yellow in the fall. Green ash is traditionally planted as a shade tree. Because this ash species is severely impacted by emerald ash borer, it is not recommended for areas with emerald ash borer problems.
- Name: Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:3-9
- Mature Size:50-70 ft. tall, 35-50 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained; acidic to slightly alkaline
- Susceptibility to Emerald Ash Borer: Very high
03 of 13
White Ash
White ash (Fraxinus americana), also known as Biltmore ash, is the largest of the native ash trees. It is a pyramidal tree that gradually develops a fully rounded crown as the tree ages. Its gray bark has a distinctive pattern of diamond-shaped ridges in older trees. Its leaves are clusters of five to nine leaflets, dark green on top and whitish-green on the undersides. In the fall, its leaves become purplish yellow. White ash populations in the eastern U.S. have been catastrophically affected by emerald ash borer.
- Name: White ash (Fraxinus americana)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:3-9
- Mature Size:60-120 ft. tall, 50-75 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, loamy, moist, well-draining; acidic to slightly alkaline
- Susceptibility to Emerald Ash Borer: Very high
04 of 13
Blue Ash
Blue ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata) is named for the inner bark turning blue. A distinctive characteristic of this species native to the Midwest is the square shape of young shoots. In mature trees, the gray bark forms irregular plates. The leaves form clusters of seven to 11 leaflets, turning gray and dull yellow in the fall. It is one of the best ashes for dry locations, though it also does well in medium-wet sites. Blue ash is less affected by emerald ash borer than other North American ash tree species.
- Name: Blue ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:4-7
- Mature Size:50-75ft. tall, 50-70 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained, loamy; acidic to alkaline
- Susceptibility to Emerald Ash Borer: Moderate
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05 of 13
California Ash
The California ash (Fraxinus dipetala), also known as two-petal ash, is a shrub or small tree that differs in appearance from many other ashes. It is native to California, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. The leaves have serrated edges and rounded tips, forming clusters of three to nine leaflets. The white flowers have two petals and hang in fragrant clusters. This is a good plant for drought since it has low water needs. Emerald ash borer has not yet affected the California ash in its native range but the invasive pest reached the West Coast in 2022. As the susceptibility of California ash is still unknown, trees should be treated as a precaution.
- Name: California ash (Fraxinus dipetala)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
- Mature Size:20-23 ft. tall, 15 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained; acidic to alkaline
- Susceptibility to Emerald Ash Borer: To be determined
06 of 13
Carolina Ash
Carolina ash (Fraxinus caroliana) prefers wet soils and is often found in swampy areas. It is native to North Carolina and South Carolina, in addition to neighboring swampy states. Other common names include Florida ash, swamp ash, water ash, and pop ash. This rare ash tree does well in shady conditions and is perfect for stabilizing wetland areas. The tree has typical leaf clusters of five to seven leaflets. The emerald ash borer is present in the native range of the Carolina ash. Its degree of susceptibility to the pest is still unknown. so be ready to treat your tree preventatively with an insecticide.
- Name: Carolina ash (Fraxinus caroliana)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:7-10
- Mature Size:30-60 ft. tall, 5-10 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Moist, adapts to many types, acidic to neutral pH
- Susceptibility to Emerald Ash Borer: To be determined
07 of 13
European Ash
As the name suggests, European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is found throughout Europe. It is also known as common ash. Unlike most ashes, this tree is generally wider than tall when mature. Look for black buds as a characteristic to distinguish them from other ashes, which usually have brown buds. The leaves of European ash comprise seven to 13 leaflets. While some cultivars have a yellow color in the fall, the native species tend to drop their leaves while they are still green. European ash is reportedly less attractive to emerald ash borer than the black, green, and white ash, but it is still susceptible.
- Name: European ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:5-7
- Mature Size:60-80ft. tall, 50-60 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained; loam; acidic to slightly alkaline
- Susceptibility to Emerald Ash Borer: Moderate
08 of 13
Gregg's Ash
Gregg's ash (Fraxinus greggii), also known as littleleaf ash, is a large shrub that can be trained into a small tree. It is native to desert terrain in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas and is drought-tolerant once established, It is suitable to be grown in a container. This species has smaller leaves than other ash tree species, forming clusters of three to 11 leaflets. The bark is smooth and gray, and the branches are quite thin. This is one of the few ashes that tolerate some shade. Emerald ash borer has not yet affected this tree in its native range but could in the future.
- Name: Gregg's ash (Fraxinus greggii)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:7-10
- Mature Size:11-15 ft. tall, 6-10 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained; neutral to alkaline
- Susceptibility to Emerald Ash Borer: To be determined
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09 of 13
Manna Ash
Manna ash (Fraxinus ornus) is named after the biblical food because of its sweet sap extract. The tree is native to southern Europe and southwestern Asia. It has one of the prettiest flower shows of the ashes, appearing in May; its other common name is flowering ash. The dark gray bark on this tree remains smooth, even in old trees. The leaves form in bundles of five to nine leaflets, with finely serrated edges, turning yellow-purple in fall. Like other ash trees not native to North America, this species may have greater resistance to emerald ash borer.
- Name: Manna ash (Fraxinus ornus)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:6-9
- Mature Size:40 to 50 feettall
- Light: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Sandy, loamy, clay; moist or dry; mildly acid to neutral to mildly alkaline
- Susceptibility to Emerald Ash Borer: Moderate to low
10 of 13
Narrow Leaf Ash
The narrow-leaf ash (Fraxinus angustifolia). also called desert ash, is a medium- to large-sized tree renowned for doing well in urban settings and acidic soil. It is native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, The young tree has a smooth, pale-gray bark that gradually becomes square-cracked and knobby as the tree grows older. The most common cultivar, 'Raywood,' is also known as claret ash, named for the lovely shade of purple in fall. The slender leaves are grouped in three to 13 leaflets. This is another non-North American ash that may have greater resistance to damage from emerald ash borer.
- Name: Narrow-leaf ash (Fraxinus angustifolia)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:5-8
- Mature Size:50 to 80feet
- Light: Full sun
- Soil Needs: All soil types; mildly acid to alkaline soil; dry or moist
- Susceptibility to Emerald Ash Borer: Moderate to low
11 of 13
Pumpkin Ash
The base of the trunk of this ash species becomes engorged and looks like a pumpkin, especially in wet soils, hence its name, pumpkin ash (Fraxinus profunda). The tree is native to eastern North America. The trunk is covered in thick, gray, fissured bark. The leaves comprise clusters of seven to nine leaflets that turn bronze to purplish-red in fall. This tree likes moist soil, making it a traditional choice for large rain gardens. This large tree needs a lot of space. Due to its high susceptibilityto emerald ash borer, it is no longer a recommended ash tree.
- Name: Pumpkin ash (Fraxinus profunda)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:5-9
- Mature Size:60-80 ft. tall, 30-50 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil Needs:Wet; neutral pH
- Susceptibility to Emerald Ash Borer: Very high
12 of 13
Velvet Ash
Velvet ash (Fraxinus velutina) is drought-tolerant and does well in wet oralkaline soils. It is a good choice if you need a tree that grows fast. This tree is native to the southwestern U.S. and is also called the Arizona or Modesto ash. Thegray-brown barkis rough and fissured, and the shoots emerge with a velvety coating. As the emerald ash borer is spreading across the U.S. and the susceptibility of velvet ash to the emerald ash borer is still unknown, it is recommended to treat any velvet ash as a preventative measure.
- Name: Velvet ash (Fraxinus velutina)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
- Mature Size:20-40 ft. tall and wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Wet or moist; alkaline
- Susceptibility to Emerald Ash Borer: To be determined
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13 of 13
Manchurian Ash
Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandschurica), an ash species native to eastern Asia, is of growing interest as a landscape specimen due to its demonstrated resistance to emerald ash borer. Experiments are underway to cross this species with native North American ashes to develop species that can survive the pest onslaught. It is a large tree with large compound leaves comprised of up to 11 leaflets that turn an attractive yellow in fall. The smooth gray bark becomes slightly fissured as the tree ages.
- Name: Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandschurica)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:3-6
- Mature Size:40-50 ft. tall, 20-25 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained, acidic to alkaline
- Susceptibility to Emerald Ash Borer: Low
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More Information About the Emerald Ash Borer
While many communities address the emerald ash borer issue by destroying both diseased and healthy trees to slow the spread of the beetle, some homeowners attempt to save or protect individual trees by treating them with an application of systemic insecticides containing imidacloprid, applied as soil drenches around the base of an ash tree.
To identify an infestation, look for the following signs:
- Bark flecking in upper branches (May also be caused by woodpeckers feeding on the insects)
- Dead branches on top of the tree
- Bark cracks caused by larvae tunneling under the bark (May notice S-shaped larval tunnels under the bark)
For an insecticide to be effective, drench with insecticides yearly in the spring. Treatment is most effective if it begins before the tree becomes infested. Trees that have experienced canopy loss of 50 percent or more usually cannot be saved.
Tips
- Plant ash trees in the fall in a sunny spot with a lot of space depending on the mature size of the species.
- Most established ash species are drought-tolerant.
- Only prune away dead or broken branches.
- Fertilize only in the first year if growth isn't already vigorous.
- In addition to emerald ash borer, trees are prone to ash bark beetles, aphids, and scale.
- Potential ash tree diseases include ash anthracnose and verticillium wilt.
FAQ
What trees are mistaken for ash trees?
The compound leaves of ash trees are often confused for hickory or walnut trees. Ash tree leaves are opposite each other whereas hickory and walnut leaflets are arranged alternating along the stem. Some other common differences are ash trees do not have nuts, and they have diamond-patterned furrowed bark.
Where do ash trees grow best?
Because there are many ash tree species, not all conditions are the same; some are swamp trees, while others grow in deserts. The one commonality they all share is an affinity for full sun. Most are adaptable to variable soil types and grow in a wide pH range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
How much water do ash trees need?
Young ash trees should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist as their roots become established. Mature ash trees usually only need watering during a prolonged drought or high temperatures.
Do ash trees grow fast?
Ash trees generally have a quick growth rate when they're planted in conditions they like and kept healthy. They typically leaf out in the middle to late spring but hold onto their leaves late into fall.
What are ash trees used for?
The hard, resilient, and pliable wood of ash is used for baseball bats, other sports equipment, cabinetry, and flooring. The wood of black ash was traditionally used for weaving, as it is pliable and the bark of blue ash was used to make blue dye.
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cultural aspects of trees: Traditions and myths. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. University of Georgia.
Emerald Ash Borer.U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2022.
Emerald Ash Borer. University of Florida.
Emerald Ash Borer Management. Purdue University.
Fraxinuspennsylvanica. Missouri Botanical Garden.
Fraxinusamericana. Missouri Botanical Garden.
Fraxinus quadrangulata. North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
California Ash. California Native Plant Society.
Emerald Ash Borer Resources. Oregon State University Extension Service.
Emerald Ash Borer Frequently Asked Questions. North Carolina Forest Service.
Showalter, David N., et al.Resistance of European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) Saplings to Larval Feeding by the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis).Plants, People, Planet,vol. 2, no. 1, 2020, pp. 41-46. doi:10.1002/ppp3.10077
Fraxinus greggii. University of Arizona.
Liu, Houping. Under Siege: Ash Management in the Wake of the Emerald Ash Borer,Journal of Integrated Pest Management, vol. 9, no. 1, 2018. doi:10.1093/jipm/pmx029
Fraxinusprofunda. Missouri Botanical Garden.
Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer. North Central Integrated Pest Management Center.
