Green Ash

Summary

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf

Height: 60 feet

Spread: 50 feet

Shape: Spreading

This large fast-growing tree is very tolerant of adverse conditions. Its fall foliage color is a yellow.

Plant Needs

Zone: 3 to 9

Light: Full sun

Moisture: Wet, moist, or dry 

Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay 

pH Range: 3.7 to 8.2

Functions

Suggested uses for this plant include shade, street tree, and specimen plant.

Planting Notes

Transplants readily and is very adaptable. Plant in full sun.

Tolerates wide range of soil conditions.

Once established, tolerates high pH, salt, drought, and sterile soils. Select seedless varieties to avoid litter problem from fruit-bearing trees.

Care

When required, prune in the fall.

Prune dead twigs and branches anytime.

Problems

Problems include canker and dieback, which result in dead wood.

Borers can be a serious pest when plant is young. The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a very serious threat to ash trees. If you have the EAB in your area, do not plant ash trees. The EAB has invaded northern Virginia and will most likely spread to other areas.

Seedlings can become a problem in flower beds and other unwanted areas. Therefore, select male cultivars.

Alternatives

Consult local garden centers, including historic or public gardens and arboreta regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Cultivars of Fraxinus pennsylvanica:

• `Marshall's Seedless' (same as ‘Marshall’) is a male clone which forms an upright, oval shape and has fewer pest problems than the species.
• ‘Patmore’ is a non-fruiting form that is relatively pest free.
• `Summit' is a male tree with upright, pyramidal growth and excellent yellow fall foliage color. White ash (Fraxinus americana) is similar to green ash but generally has a purple fall color.

There are several cultivars in the trade with various shape, fall foliage color, & non-fruiting aspects. White ash is also susceptible to EAB.

Comments

Green ash is a vigorous tree while young and is a popular tree because of its adaptability and fall foliage color. If the EAB is prevalent in your region, then do not plant ash trees.

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation.