24 Types of Ash Trees And Their Identifying Characteristics

Ash trees, belonging to the genus Fraxinus in the olive family (Oleaceae), are majestic deciduous trees valued for their beauty, versatile wood, and ecological importance. With 45–65 species worldwide, ash trees are widespread across North America, Europe, and Asia, thriving in diverse climates from wetlands to uplands. Several species are valuable for their timber and beauty. A few species extend into the tropical forests of Mexico and Java.

Most ash trees are small to medium in height, though some of the larger timber-providing species grow to 18–34 metres (60–120 feet). The leaves of ash trees are opposite, usually deciduous, and pinnately compound with an odd number of leaflets, often five to nine. The narrow fruits, called samaras, are one-seeded and winged. The flowers usually are small and grow in showy clusters, and some species have petaled blooms.

Ash trees are ecological and economic powerhouses. Their strong, flexible wood is a staple in industries, crafting everything from baseball bats to furniture. Ecologically, they support diverse wildlife, providing food for birds and mammals and shade for understory plants. Their airy canopies allow wildflowers to flourish, and their leaves feed aquatic species like frog tadpoles. However, EAB infestations, first detected in North America in 2002, and ash dieback in Europe have put many species at risk.

There are 18 species of ash trees native to North America, and they are among the most abundant North American trees. They are important members of deciduous forests, wetlands, and riparian habitats across the continent and are frequently the codominant trees there, with maples and beeches.

Eighteen species of ash are found in the United States, several of which are valued for their timber. The most important of these are the white ash (Fraxinus americana) and the green ash (F. pennsylvanica), which grow throughout the eastern and much of the central United States and northward into parts of Canada. 

Types of Ash Trees

White Ash (Fraxinus americana)

White ash, often called Biltmore ash, is the largest and most widespread ash species in North America. It boasts a pyramidal shape in youth, maturing into a broad, rounded crown. Its pinnately compound leaves have 5–9 leaflets, dark green above and paler below, turning vibrant yellow to purple-burgundy in fall. The gray bark develops distinctive diamond-shaped ridges with age. Female trees produce clusters of samaras that persist into winter, attracting birds.

• Native Area: Eastern and central United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Minnesota and Texas; also found in southern Canada (Ontario, Quebec).

Unique Characteristics

• Highly susceptible to EAB, requiring preventive treatments in infested areas.
• Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soils but adapts to various conditions.
• Supports wildlife, including cardinals, wood ducks, and squirrels, which feed on its seeds.
• Historically used by Native Americans for basketry and tool-making.

Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)

Green ash, also known as red ash, swamp ash, or water ash, is a fast-growing, adaptable species with a rounded to irregular crown. Its compound leaves feature 5–9 leaflets with short stalks, turning bright yellow in fall. The gray-brown bark forms a diamond-like pattern with age. Dioecious, it has male and female trees, with females producing abundant samaras.

• Native Area: Eastern and northern North America, from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Montana and Texas.

Unique Characteristics

• Thrives in wet soils, making it ideal for floodplains, riparian zones, and low-lying areas.
• Severely impacted by EAB, with significant population declines; not recommended for planting in EAB-affected regions.
• Leaflets have short stalks, distinguishing it from black ash, whose leaflets are sessile.

Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra)

Black ash is a slender, slow-growing tree with a narrow, upright crown. Its compound leaves have 7–13 sessile leaflets (attached directly to the stem), turning yellow in fall. The thick, gray bark becomes scaly and fissured with age. Female trees produce samaras that attract birds and small mammals.

• Native: Northeastern United States and eastern Canada, particularly in wetlands, bogs, and swamps from Minnesota to Newfoundland.

Unique Characteristics

• Prefers cold, wet environments, thriving in saturated soils where other ashes struggle.
• Highly vulnerable to EAB, with widespread losses in its native range.
• Bark was historically used to produce a black dye for textiles.

Blue Ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata)

Blue ash is a medium-sized tree with a rounded to pyramidal crown. Its compound leaves have 7–11 serrated leaflets, turning golden yellow in fall. The gray, shaggy bark is distinctive, and the inner bark releases a blue dye when exposed to air. Blue ash produces flat, paddle-shaped samaras.

• Native Area: Midwestern United States, primarily Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Kentucky.

Unique Characteristics

• Named for the blue dye from its inner bark, a rare trait among ash species.
• More resistant to EAB than other native ashes, though still at risk.
• Tolerates limestone-rich, alkaline soils better than most ashes.

European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)

European ash, or common ash, is a tall, elegant tree with a broad, domed canopy. Its pinnately compound leaves have 7–11 leaflets, often falling green or slightly yellow in autumn. The smooth, light gray bark becomes deeply fissured with age. Black, velvety buds are a key winter identifier. It produces clusters of winged samaras.

• Native Area: Europe, Asia Minor, and the Caucasus, from the British Isles to Russia.

Unique Characteristics

• Severely threatened by ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus), causing widespread mortality in Europe.
• In Norse mythology, it’s considered the “Tree of Life” (Yggdrasil), symbolizing resilience.
• Leaves often drop green, unlike the vibrant fall colors of North American ashes.

Manna Ash (Fraxinus ornus)

Manna ash, or flowering ash, is a medium-sized tree with a rounded crown. Its leaves have 5–9 broad, serrated leaflets, turning yellow in fall. Unlike most ashes, it produces fragrant, creamy white flowers in spring, adding significant ornamental value. The bark remains smooth even in maturity.

• Native Area: Southern Europe (Italy, Spain, Greece) and western Asia.

Unique Characteristics

• Produces showy, petaled flowers, a rare trait among ash species.
• Sap has historical medicinal and culinary uses in Mediterranean cultures.
• Moderately resistant to EAB compared to North American species.

Oregon Ash (Fraxinus latifolia)

Oregon ash is a medium-sized tree with a broad, maple-like crown in open settings. Its compound leaves have 5–7 leaflets, turning golden yellow in fall. The light gray-brown bark develops deep ridges with age. Female trees produce clusters of samaras that attract birds.

• Native Area: Pacific Northwest of the United States, from Washington to California, often along streams and wetlands.

Unique Characteristics

• Thrives in fertile, saturated soils, making it a key species in wetland ecosystems.
• Susceptible to EAB, with infestations reported in Oregon since 2022.
• Branches often grow nearly parallel to the ground in open areas, creating a distinctive silhouette.

Arizona Ash (Fraxinus velutina)

Arizona ash, or velvet ash, is a fast-growing tree with a rounded canopy of deep green, compound leaves with 3–5 leaflets. Fall foliage turns bright yellow. The bark is smooth and gray in youth, becoming furrowed with age. Female trees produce samaras that persist into winter.

• Native Area: Southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and northern Mexico.

Unique Characteristics

• Drought-tolerant, thriving in hot, dry climates with minimal water.
• Relatively short-lived (30–50 years) compared to other ash species.
• Susceptible to EAB and fungal diseases like verticillium wilt in humid conditions.

Carolina Ash (Fraxinus caroliniana)

Carolina ash, also called Florida ash or water ash, is a small tree with a rounded crown. Its compound leaves have 5–7 shiny, lance-shaped leaflets with serrated margins, turning yellow in fall. The bark is smooth in youth, developing shallow fissures with age. Samaras are produced on female trees.

• Native Area: Southeastern United States, from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas, often in wetlands.

Unique Characteristics

• Thrives in flooded or poorly drained soils, ideal for swamps, marshes, and riverbanks.
• Highly vulnerable to EAB, with limited natural resistance.
• Supports wetland species, including birds and amphibians that rely on its seeds and shade.

Manchurian Ash (Fraxinus mandshurica)

Manchurian ash is a medium-sized tree with a rounded crown and pinnately compound leaves containing 7–13 leaflets. The leaflets are 2–8 inches long with serrated margins, turning yellow in fall. The bark is smooth, gray, and slightly fissured in maturity. It produces samaras that attract birds.

• Native Area: Northeastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Russia).

Unique Characteristics

• Greater resistance to EAB than North American species due to co-evolution with the beetle.
• Similar to black ash but with smoother bark and broader leaflets.
• Cold-hardy, ideal for northern climates with harsh winters.

Pumpkin Ash (Fraxinus profunda)

Pumpkin ash is a rare, slow-growing tree with a narrow crown. Its compound leaves have 7–9 serrated leaflets, turning yellow in fall. The gray, furrowed bark and swollen trunk base (in wet conditions) resemble a pumpkin, giving it its name. Large samaras hang in clusters.

• Native Area: Southeastern United States, from Illinois to Florida, primarily in swamps and bottomlands.

Unique Characteristics

• Critically endangered due to EAB and habitat loss from wetland drainage.
• Swollen trunk base in wet soils is a distinctive adaptation to flooding.
• Supports wetland ecosystems, providing habitat for birds and amphibians.

Raywood Ash (Fraxinus angustifolia ‘Raywood’)

Raywood ash, a cultivar of narrow-leaved ash (F. angustifolia), is a compact tree with a rounded crown. Its compound leaves have 7–11 narrow leaflets, turning striking red to purple in fall, making it a standout ornamental. The bark is smooth and gray, becoming slightly fissured. Female trees produce samaras.

• Native Area: Cultivated, derived from F. angustifolia, native to southern Europe and North Africa.

Unique Characteristics

• Known for its brilliant claret-red fall foliage, one of the most vivid among ash trees.
• Less susceptible to EAB than North American species but still at risk.
• Fast-growing and adaptable to various soils, including dry conditions.

Narrow-Leaved Ash (Fraxinus angustifolia)

Narrow-leaved ash is a medium-sized tree with a rounded to oval crown. Its pinnately compound leaves have 7–13 narrow, lance-shaped leaflets, turning yellow or purple in fall. The bark is smooth and gray in youth, becoming fissured with age. It produces clusters of samaras on female trees, which persist into winter.

• Native Area: Southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, from Spain to Turkey.

Unique Characteristics

• More tolerant of dry soils than many ash species, suitable for Mediterranean climates.
• Susceptible to ash dieback, like its close relative, European ash.
• ‘Raywood’ is a popular cultivar derived from this species, known for red fall foliage.

Texas Ash (Fraxinus texensis)

Texas ash, or mountain ash, is a small to medium-sized tree with a rounded crown. Its compound leaves have 5–7 rounded leaflets, turning yellow to orange in fall. The bark is gray and furrowed, and female trees produce small samaras. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller landscapes.

• Native: Central and western Texas, southern Oklahoma, and parts of Mexico.

Unique Characteristics

• Thrives in limestone-rich, rocky soils, unlike most ash species.
• Moderately drought-tolerant, ideal for xeriscaping in the Southwest.
• Susceptible to EAB but less affected due to its isolated range.

Red Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica ‘Patmore’)

‘Patmore’ is a seedless cultivar of green ash (F. pennsylvanica) with a symmetrical, oval crown. Its compound leaves have 5–9 leaflets, turning bright yellow in fall. The bark is gray-brown with a diamond pattern. Known for its uniform growth, it’s a popular choice for urban settings.

• Native Area: Cultivated, derived from North American F. pennsylvanica.

Unique Characteristics

• Seedless, reducing litter and maintenance in urban areas.
• Cold-hardy and adaptable to various soils, including clay and urban conditions.
• Highly susceptible to EAB, requiring preventive treatments.

Marshall’s Seedless Ash

Another seedless green ash cultivar, ‘Marshall’s Seedless’ has a broad, oval crown and glossy, dark green leaves with 5–9 leaflets. Fall foliage is a vivid yellow. The bark is gray with a diamond pattern, typical of green ash. Its uniform growth makes it a favorite for landscaping.

• Native Area: Cultivated, derived from North American F. pennsylvanica.

Unique Characteristics

• Seedless, minimizing cleanup in urban settings.
• Fast-growing and adaptable to a wide range of soils and climates.
• Vulnerable to EAB, like other green ash cultivars.

Autumn Purple Ash

‘Autumn Purple’ is a white ash cultivar prized for its stunning deep purple to mahogany fall foliage. Its compound leaves have 5–9 leaflets, dark green in summer. The crown is broad and rounded, with gray, diamond-patterned bark. It’s a seedless cultivar, reducing litter.

• Native Area: Cultivated, derived from North American F. americana.

Unique Characteristics

• Exceptional fall color, one of the most vivid among ash cultivars.
• Seedless, ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
• Highly susceptible to EAB, requiring vigilant monitoring.

Gregg’s Ash

Gregg’s ash, or littleleaf ash, is a small, shrubby tree or large shrub with a rounded crown. Its compound leaves have 3–7 small, leathery leaflets, staying green or turning slightly yellow in fall. The bark is smooth and gray. It produces small samaras on female trees.

• Native Area: Southwestern United States (Texas, New Mexico) and northern Mexico.

Unique Characteristics

• One of the smallest ash species, ideal for tight spaces.
• Highly drought-tolerant, thriving in rocky, desert soils.
• Less affected by EAB due to its southern range, but still vulnerable.

Chinese Ash (Fraxinus chinensis)

Chinese ash is a medium-sized tree with a rounded crown and compound leaves featuring 5–11 leaflets. The leaflets are broad and serrated, turning yellow in fall. The bark is smooth and gray, becoming slightly fissured. It produces samaras that attract birds.

• Native Area: East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam).

Unique Characteristics

• Moderate EAB resistance, making it valuable for research and breeding.
• Adaptable to various soils, including urban environments.
• Flowers are less showy than manna ash but still attract pollinators.

Fragrant Ash (Fraxinus cuspidata)

Fragrant ash is a small tree or large shrub with a rounded crown. Its compound leaves have 5–9 narrow, pointed leaflets, turning yellow in fall. It produces fragrant, white flowers in spring, similar to manna ash, and small samaras. The bark is smooth and gray.

• Native Area: Southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and northern Mexico.

Unique Characteristics

• Fragrant flowers add sensory appeal, rare among ash species.
• Drought-tolerant, suitable for arid and semi-arid regions.
• Less susceptible to EAB due to its isolated range.

Summit Ash

‘Summit’ is a green ash cultivar with an upright, oval crown and glossy, dark green leaves with 5–9 leaflets. Fall foliage is a bright golden yellow. The bark is gray with a diamond pattern. As a seedless cultivar, it’s low-maintenance for urban settings.

• Native Area: Cultivated, derived from North American F. pennsylvanica.

Unique Characteristics

• Seedless, reducing litter in landscapes.
• More upright and compact than standard green ash, ideal for narrow spaces.
• Highly susceptible to EAB, requiring preventive treatments.

Biltmore Ash

‘Biltmore’ is a white ash cultivar with a broad, rounded crown and compound leaves featuring 5–9 leaflets. Fall foliage turns deep yellow to purple. The bark is gray with diamond-shaped ridges. It’s selected for its vigorous growth and attractive form.

• Native Area: Cultivated, derived from North American F. americana.

Unique Characteristics

• Faster-growing than standard white ash, with a denser canopy.
• Vibrant fall color enhances ornamental appeal.
• Highly susceptible to EAB, requiring protection.

Singleleaf Ash (Fraxinus anomala)

Singleleaf ash is a small, shrubby tree with a rounded crown. Unlike most ashes, its leaves are simple or occasionally compound with 1–3 leaflets, turning yellow in fall. The bark is smooth and gray. It produces small samaras and has a compact, desert-adapted form.

• Native Area: Southwestern United States (Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico) and northern Mexico.

Unique Characteristics

• Unique simple leaves distinguish it from other ash species.
• Highly drought-tolerant, thriving in rocky, desert soils.
• Less affected by EAB due to its isolated range.

Japanese Ash (Fraxinus japonica)

Japanese ash is a medium-sized tree with a rounded crown and compound leaves featuring 5–9 leaflets. The leaflets are broad and serrated, turning yellow in fall. The bark is smooth and gray, becoming slightly fissured. It produces samaras that attract wildlife.

• Native Area: Japan and parts of northeastern Asia.

Unique Characteristics

• Moderate EAB resistance due to its Asian origin, similar to Manchurian ash.
• Adaptable to various soils, including urban environments.
• Less common in cultivation than other Asian ashes.