WHITE ASH

WHITE ASH (Fraxinus americana)

White ash is one of our valuable timber trees and is found quite commonly in the state. Best growth occurs on rich, rather moist soil of low hills. It grows to a height of 60-70 feet and a diameter of 15-30 inches. The branches are upright or spreading, forming a narrow top in the forest.

The bark is broken into broad, parallel ridges by deep furrows, and is a dark brown or deep gray in color.

The leaves are opposite, and consist of 5-9 leaflets, and are 8-12 inches long. The leaflets are 3-5 inches long, oval to lance-shape, borne on short stalks, edges remotely toothed towards the tip, dark green and often shiny on the upper surface. In the fall they turn to a soft velvety purple color.

The fruit is a single samara occurring in clusters. The seed body is cigar-shaped and has a terminal wing.

The twigs have a smooth, shiny bark which is grayish, greenish or maroon on the surface. The inner layer of the bark is brick red. The terminal buds are rounded or dome-shaped.

The wood is hard, strong, and tough. It is used for agricultural implements, tool handles, oars, furniture, interior finish, sporting goods and pulp.