Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Green Ash)

Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Green Ash) is a deciduous tree native to North America. It belongs to the Oleaceae family and is widely distributed across the eastern and central regions of the continent. Green Ash is valued for its adaptability, fast growth, and attractive foliage, making it a popular choice for landscaping and urban planting.

Size and Appearance: Green Ash is a medium-sized to large tree that can reach heights of 15-30 meters (50-100 feet) or more. It has an upright, rounded crown with a relatively straight trunk. The bark is grayish-brown and develops shallow furrows and ridges with age.

Leaves: The leaves of Green Ash are compound and composed of 5-9 leaflets. The leaflets are elongated and lanceolate, with serrated edges. They have a glossy green color on the upper surface and a paler green on the underside. In autumn, the foliage can turn yellow, gold, or purple, creating a beautiful display before leaf drop.

Flowers: Green Ash produces small, inconspicuous flowers that appear in spring before the leaves emerge. The flowers are dioecious, meaning individual trees are either male or female. The male flowers are yellow-green and borne in clusters, while the female flowers are smaller and less showy. The flowers are wind-pollinated.

Seeds: After flowering, female Green Ash trees produce clusters of winged seeds known as samaras. Each samara contains a single seed and is easily dispersed by wind.

Green Ash is highly adaptable to different soil types and moisture conditions. It can grow in wet or dry areas, tolerating occasional flooding as well as moderate drought. It prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade.

In landscaping, Fraxinus pennsylvanica is often planted as a shade tree, especially in urban areas. It provides a generous canopy of dense foliage, offering relief from the sun during hot summers. Green Ash is also valued for its tolerance to urban pollution and its ability to withstand harsh growing conditions.