White Ash

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Fraxinus americana.jpg


Plant Characteristics
Habit   tree

Height: 80 ft"ft" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 80.
Width: 50 ft"ft" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 50.
Lifespan: perennial
Cultivation
Exposure: sun
USDA Zones: 4 to 10
Scientific Names

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Fraxinus americana (White Ash or American Ash) is a species of Fraxinus native to eastern North America found in mesophytic hardwood forests from Nova Scotia west to Minnesota, south to northern Florida, and southwest to eastern Texas.[1]

The name White Ash derives from the glaucous undersides of the leaves. It is similar in appearance to the Green Ash, making identification difficult. The lower sides of the leaves of White Ash are lighter in color than their upper sides, and the outer surface of the twigs of White Ash may be flaky or peeling. Green Ash leaves are similar in color on upper and lower sides, and twigs are smoother. Also, these species tend to occupy different habitat niches, with White Ash found in moist upland sites and Green Ash in wet forests of floodplains or swamps, although there is some overlap in habitat distribution.[2][3]

It is widely grown as an ornamental tree. Cultivars selected for superior fall color include 'Autumn Applause' and 'Autumn Purple'.

Other names occasionally used for the species include Biltmore ash, Biltmore white ash and cane ash.


Read about White Ash in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture 

Fraxinus americana, Linn. (F. novae-angliae, Mill. F. alba, Marsh.). White Ash. Tall tree, to 120 ft.: branchlets and petioles glabrous: lfts. generally 7, stalked, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, entire or denticulate, dark green above, glaucous beneath, 3-5 in. long: fr. linear- oblong, with terete body, the wing not decurrent, 1 ½ in. long. From Canada to Fla., west to Minn, and Texas. —Very variable. Var. acuminata, Wesm. (F. acuminata, Lam. F. epiptera, Michx. F. americana var. glauca, Hort.). Lfts. dark green and shining above, very glaucous and almost glabrous beneath, usually entire. Var. juglandifolia, Rehd. (F. juglandifolia, Lam.). Lfts. less shining above, usually broader, more or less pubescent beneath, serrate at least above the middle. This is the northern form, while the former is more common in the southern states. Var. iodocarpa, Fern. Frs. conspicuous by their reddish purple color. Var. albo-marginata, Hort. Lfts. edged white. CH


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Cultivation

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Propagation

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Pests and diseases

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis or Agrilus marcopoli and EAB) is a green beetle native to Asia. In North America the borer is an invasive species, highly destructive to ash trees in its introduced range.

Species

Gallery

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References

External links


  1. Germplasm Resources Information Network: Fraxinus americana
  2. Common Trees of the North Carolina Piedmont: Fraxinus americana
  3. New Brunswick tree and shrub: Fraxinus americana