Family: Oleaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1057 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Fraxinus
Vegetable: False
Observations: NC. & E. U.S.A. to E. Texas
Description
The American ash, scientifically known as Fraxinus americana, is a majestic and significant species of flowering tree belonging to the family Oleaceae. Originating from the esteemed work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753, this tree has long been appreciated for its ecological and economic value.
Found primarily in the central and eastern regions of the United States, extending as far west as eastern Texas, the American ash thrives in a variety of environments from lush forests to urban landscapes. This adaptability speaks to its resilience and has made it a common sight in many American habitats.
Renowned for its sturdy, straight trunk and tall stature, the American ash can reach significant heights, often providing ample shade and a robust presence in the landscape. Its leaves present a striking image; they are typically compound with 5 to 9 leaflets, which turn a beautiful yellow to maroon in the fall, adding seasonal interest to the scenery.
The American ash has also played a crucial role in the timber industry. Its wood is known for its strength and elasticity, making it a preferred choice for a variety of products including baseball bats, furniture, and flooring. Historically, it has also been used in the construction of tools and other durable goods.
However, the species faces challenges due to the proliferation of the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that has caused significant damage to ash populations across the country. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this valuable tree from further decline, involving biological control methods and ongoing research into resistant strains.
In summary, Fraxinus americana, or the American ash, stands as a symbol of both natural beauty and utilitarian value in America’s diverse ecosystem. Its presence continues to be of profound importance, both ecologically and economically, while conservation measures strive to preserve its legacy for future generations.
Common Names
Eng: american ash, white ash
Afr: amerikaanse esseboom
Lit: amerikinis uosis
Fra: frêne d’amérique, frêne blanc, franc frêne, frêne d’amérique
Deu: weiß-esche
Hun: fehér kőris
Swe: vitask
Nld: amerikaanse es
En: American ash, White ash
Af: Amerikaanse esseboom
Nl: Amerikaanse es
Fr: Frêne d’Amérique, Frêne blanc, Franc frêne, Frêne d’Amérique, Frêne blanc d’Amérique
De: Weiß-Esche, Weißesche
Hu: Fehér kőris
It: Frassino bianco d’America
Lt: Amerikinis uosis
Es: Fresno blanco
Sv: Vitask
Synonyms
- Fraxinus americana f. iodocarpa (Fernald)
- Fraxinus juglandifolia var. subserrata (Willd.)
- Fraxinus americana var. epiptera ((Michx.) Wesm.)
- Fraxinus americana var. acuminata ((Lam.) K.Koch)
- Fraxinus pubescens var. latifolia (Vahl)
- Calycomelia alba ((Marshall) Kostel.)
- Fraxinus americana f. barrii (W.H.Wagner)
- Calycomelia pistaciifolia (Nieuwl.)
- Aplilia macrophyla ((Hoffmanns.) Raf.)
- Fraxinus glauca (Raf.)
- Fraxinus americana subsp. biltmoreana ((Beadle) A.E.Murray)
- Calycomelia biltmoreana ((Beadle) Nieuwl.)
- Fraxinus americana var. ascidiata (Meun.)
- Calycomelia americana ((L.) Kostel.)
- Fraxinus americana var. curtissii ((Vasey) Sudw.)
- Fraxinus novae-angliae (Mill.)
- Fraxinus americana f. acuminata ((Lam.) Voss)
- Leptalix grandifolia (Raf.)
- Fraxinus discolor var. juglandifolia ((Lam.) Muhl.)
- Leptalix epiptera ((Michx.) Raf.)
- Fraxinus villosa (Dum.Cours.)
- Fraxinus carolinensis (Wangenh.)
- Fraxinus caroliniana var. latifolia ((Vahl) Willd.)
- Leptalix alba ((Marshall) Raf.)
- Fraxinus americana var. microcarpa (A.Gray)
- Fraxinus americana var. latifolia ((Vahl) Loudon)
- Fraxinus americana var. juglandifolia ((Lam.) K.Koch)
- Fraxinus juglandifolia (Lam.)
- Fraxinus macrophylla (Hoffmanns.)
- Ornus americana ((L.) Bosc)
- Fraxinus discolor (Muhl.)
- Fraxinus biltmoreana var. subcoriacea ((Sarg.) J.J.N.Campb.)
- Fraxinus biltmoreana (Beadle)
- Fraxinus americana var. longifolia ((Vahl) Wesm.)
- Leptalix viridis ((Bosc) Raf.)
- Calycomelia acuminata ((Lam.) Kostel.)
- Calycomelia viridis ((Bosc) Kostel.)
- Fraxinus americana var. glauca (C.K.Schneid.)
- Fraxinus americana var. biltmoreana ((Beadle) J.W.Wright ex Fernald)
- Fraxinus epiptera (Michx.)
- Fraxinus americana f. ascidiata ((Meun.) Rehder)
- Fraxinus americana var. crassifolia (Sarg.)
- Fraxinus americana var. macrophylla (C.K.Schneid.)
- Fraxinus americana var. subcoriacea (Sarg.)
- Fraxinus alba (Marshall)
- Fraxinus americana subsp. typicum (Wesm.)
- Fraxinus acuminata (Lam.)
- Fraxinus pubescens var. longifolia (Vahl)
- Fraxinoides alba ((Marshall) Medik.)
- Fraxinus nigra var. juglandifolia ((Lam.) Castigl.)
- Leptalix glauca (Raf.)
- Fraxinus curtissii (Vasey)
- Leptalix juglandifolia ((Lam.) Raf.)
- Fraxinus americana f. lasiophylla (Fernald)
- Fraxinus americana var. alba ((Marshall) Weston)
- Calycomelia epiptera ((Michx.) Kostel.)
- Calycomelia juglandifolia ((Lam.) Kostel.)
- Fraxinus pennsylvanica subsp. novae-angliae ((Mill.) Buttler)
- Fraxinus canadensis (Gaertn.)
- Ornanthes americana ((L.) Raf.)
- Leptalix acuminata ((Lam.) Raf.)
- Fraxinus caroliniana (Willd.)
- Fraxinus americana subsp. novae-angliae ((Mill.) Wesm.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Bulgaria (introduced)
- Colorado (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- Korea (introduced)
- Romania (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 7, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2022 by 1F DZ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 7, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Oğuzhan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 4, 2020 by Marilyn Lerner (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken Feb 11, 2022 by Cristian Salinas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 7, 2020 by Theresa (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 22, 2022 by Jean-François Latour (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 7, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Oğuzhan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Oğuzhan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 3, 2022 by Floral (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 4, 2022 by Jean -Louis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 10, 2021 by steve glodeck (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 30, 2021 by Chantal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Bryce Avot (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 17, 2020 by Pan Peter (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2021 by E Vincent (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2020 by Trinity Torrejos (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 13, 2018 by Tanya Fedor (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2019 by Joshua Kuykendall (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 25, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 14, 2016 by EOL − owenclarkin (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 30, 2020 by luciano scalco (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 11, 2020 by fuego (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2020 by Andre (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2021 by Mont Carol (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2021 by E Vincent (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 10, 2020 by William Wall (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3172327)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:105770-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Fraxinus americana L.)
Specifications
Growth form: Single Stem
Growth habit: Tree
Growth rate: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 4.7