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Description
Fraxinus Pennsylvanica, commonly known as Green Ash, is a deciduous tree species that belongs to the olive family (Oleaceae). It is native to North America and can grow up to 60 to 70 feet tall with a spread of 50 to 60 feet. The bark of the tree is smooth and gray when young, but it becomes rough and fissured as it ages. The leaves are compound with 5-9 leaflets and can grow up to 8 inches long. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow and drop off the tree.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————–|————-|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Tracheophyta|| Class| Magnoliopsida|| Order| Lamiales|| Family| Oleaceae|| Genus| Fraxinus|| Species| Pennsylvanica|
Appearance
Green Ash has a narrow, oval-shaped crown with a straight trunk. The tree has grayish-brown, smooth bark when young, which becomes furrowed and scaly with age. The leaves are compound, with 5-9 leaflets that are lance-shaped, pointed, and serrated along the edges. The leaves are dark green on top and paler beneath, and they turn yellow in the fall. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring before the leaves emerge. The fruit of the tree is a samara that is 1-2 inches long and has a single seed.
Care Guide
Green Ash trees are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your Green Ash tree:- Water: Water the tree regularly during the first year after planting, and then only during periods of drought. The tree can tolerate some dryness, but it will grow best with regular watering.- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer in the early spring before new growth begins. Apply the fertilizer at the drip line of the tree, and water it in thoroughly.- Soil: Green Ash trees can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, but they prefer well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Amend heavy clay soil with organic matter to improve drainage.- Sunlight: Green Ash trees prefer full sun, but they can also tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Green Ash trees are hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Green Ash trees are susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including:- Emerald Ash Borer: This invasive beetle can kill Green Ash trees by burrowing into the bark and disrupting the tree’s nutrient flow. Signs of an infestation include D-shaped exit holes in the bark, crown dieback, and increased woodpecker activity.- Ash Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spot, defoliation, and twig dieback. It is most common in wet, cool springs and can be prevented by pruning infected branches and improving air circulation around the tree.- Verticillium Wilt: This fungal disease can cause yellowing, wilting, and branch dieback. It is most common in stressed trees and can be prevented by improving soil drainage and avoiding soil compaction.
Habitat
Green Ash trees are native to North America and are commonly found in riparian areas, floodplains, and along riverbanks. They can also grow in upland areas and are often planted as shade trees in urban and suburban areas.
Question and Answer
Q: How fast does Green Ash grow?
A: Green Ash trees can grow up to 2 feet per year under ideal conditions.Q: Is Green Ash a good shade tree?
A: Yes, Green Ash trees are excellent shade trees and can provide ample shade in the summer months.Q: Can Green Ash grow in wet soil?
A: Yes, Green Ash trees can tolerate wet soil and are often found growing in riparian areas.Q: When is the best time to prune Green Ash?
A: The best time to prune Green Ash is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Related Plants
Here are some other species of Fraxinus:- Fraxinus americana (White Ash)- Fraxinus excelsior (European Ash)- Fraxinus nigra (Black Ash)- Fraxinus velutina (Arizona Ash)
References
– “Fraxinus Pennsylvanica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 15 Sept. 2021, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c770.- “Green Ash.” Arborday.org. Accessed 15 Sept. 2021, www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=773. – “Green Ash.” The Morton Arboretum. Accessed 15 Sept. 2021, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/green-ash.
