Fraxinus Americana
Contents
Description
Fraxinus Americana, commonly known as the White Ash tree, is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It can grow up to 80 feet tall and 50 feet wide with a straight trunk and a pyramidal crown. The bark is gray and fissured with diamond-shaped furrows. The leaves are compound, with 7-9 leaflets, and turn yellow or purple in the fall. The tree produces winged seeds that can be dispersed by the wind.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Fraxinus |
Appearance
The White Ash tree has a distinctive appearance with a straight trunk and a pyramidal crown. The bark is gray and fissured with diamond-shaped furrows. The leaves are compound, with 7-9 leaflets, and turn yellow or purple in the fall. The tree produces winged seeds that can be dispersed by the wind.
Care Guide
The White Ash tree requires moderate care and attention to thrive. Here are some tips:
Water
The tree should be watered deeply once a week, especially during the first few years after planting. During periods of drought, the tree may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
The tree should be fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Avoid fertilizing in the fall as this may cause the tree to produce new growth that can be damaged by winter frost.
Soil
The White Ash tree prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils.
Sunlight
The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones
The White Ash tree is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The White Ash tree is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including:
Emerald Ash Borer
The Emerald Ash Borer is a beetle that feeds on the inner bark of the tree, disrupting its ability to transport water and nutrients. This can lead to the death of the tree.
Ash Yellows
Ash Yellows is a disease caused by a phytoplasma that infects the tree’s phloem tissue. This can cause the tree to produce yellowed leaves and stunted growth.
Verticillium Wilt
Verticillium Wilt is a fungal disease that can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. It can also cause the tree to produce fewer flowers and fruit.
Habitat
The White Ash tree is native to eastern North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and wetlands. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of temperatures and moisture levels.
Question and Answer
Q: How fast does the White Ash tree grow?
A: The White Ash tree can grow up to 24 inches per year under ideal conditions.
Q: Is the White Ash tree a good shade tree?
A: Yes, the White Ash tree is a good shade tree with a pyramidal crown that provides ample shade.
Q: Does the White Ash tree produce flowers?
A: Yes, the White Ash tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring.
Q: Can the White Ash tree tolerate pollution?
A: Yes, the White Ash tree can tolerate moderate levels of pollution and is often planted in urban areas.
Related Plants
- Fraxinus excelsior (European Ash)
- Fraxinus velutina (Arizona Ash)
- Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Green Ash)
References
- Dirr, M. A. (1998). Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses. Stipes Publishing.
- Gilman, E. F. (1997). Trees for Urban and Suburban Landscapes. Delmar Publishers.
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (2021). Plant Fact Sheet: White Ash (Fraxinus americana L.).
