8 Green Ash - Pennsylvanica
Image of the Tree You are Viewing
Basic Information about this tree
- Scientific Name: Fraxinus pennsylvanica,
- Common Name: Green Ash. This tree is growing right next to a large evergreen, but clearly holding its own.
- Deciduous
- Branch Structure: Regular, fairly upright, the lower branches tend to grow downward to get more light.
- Sunlight / Moisture / Soil preference: moderately shade-tolerant; fast-growing, may withstand poor conditions of both soil and climate.
- Flowering type: dioecious, tree either has all male flowers (staminate) or all female flowers (pistillate).
- Pollination strategy: Wind
- Native
- Age Estimate/ Health: Healthy, 30 years. The three biggest ash trees on the nature center acre (Tree Trek #2) were treated in Fall 2023 and again in Summer 2025, to reduce the likelihood of attack by the Emerald Ash Borer. We are very grateful to Premium Tree Protection, LLC for the donation of the first treatment.
- Longevity: Up to 200 years
- Mature Size:70 ft tall by 50-100 ft wide under good conditions
- GPS Coordinates N45.00221 W92.90406
Mature Tree in Winter/ Summer
Leaves in Summer / Fall
Flowers - Female & Male -separate Trees
Samara Unripe / Ripe
A samara is a winged achene, a type of fruit in which a flattened wing of fibrous, papery tissue develops from the ovary wall. A samara is a simple dry fruit, and is indehiscent (not opening along a seam).
Bark of Mature Tree / root system sketch
Uses in Traditional and Modern Eras
Value for wildlife: Bees collect the pollen to feed their larvae, favorite food of Emerald Ash Borer
Utility for Humans: Long-lasting sturdy tree, good shade provider. This tree is useful in many specialty wood products, like tool handles, because it bends well. The wood of green ash trees is hard and has a high shock resistance, so it is used to make utility items like baseball or softball bats, electric guitars, and tool handles.