This is the White Ash, or Fraxinus americana, a large tree often reaching heights of 90-100 feet, and the most common ash tree in Indiana and the Midwest. With a rapid growth rate, White Ash trees can live for 200 years or more. Their straight, branch-free trunks make them ideal forest trees. The bark features deep diamond shapes, similar to the Black Walnut, but with a tan inner bark instead of chocolate brown. Male and female flowers appear in April on separate trees, preceding the leaves. The leaves, up to 1 foot long, are dark green and smooth with 5 to 9 finely toothed leaflets. The fruit is a flattened, winged seed resembling a canoe paddle, turning from green to brown as it ripens. In the fall, the leaves of the White Ash turn vibrant shades of yellow, red, and deep purple.
