Ash, Green

Let's explore the Green Ash, scientifically known as Fraxinus pennsylvanica var subintegerrima. This tree is typically smaller than other ash species, reaching heights of about 50 feet. It has short trunks and irregular branching structures, giving it an open-grown appearance. The Green Ash boasts one of the largest natural ranges among native ash trees in the Midwest and is often confused with the White Ash. This fast-growing tree is relatively short-lived, usually only living up to 150 years old. It is widely grown in the South, with most commercial ash wood coming from the Green Ash tree. Despite being somewhat prone to structural damage due to poor branching patterns, it provides excellent shade in landscapes. The mature bark of the Green Ash features a small interlacing diamond pattern with a brownish-gray color and is typically less than an inch thick. The tree's leaves are composed of dark green leaflets, with each leaf containing 7 to 9 narrow, pointed, smooth leaflets with serrated edges. Following flowers that appear in April, the tree produces flat, narrow fruit about 2 inches long with a wing extending beyond the seed. As the fruit ripens in the fall, it changes color from green to yellow and eventually to brown. This tree, although prone to some structural issues, remains a valuable component of our forests and landscapes, providing both ecological benefits and commercial wood resources.