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Green Ash

Green ash (*Fraxinus pennsylvanica*) is a deciduous tree in the olive family, native to eastern and central North America.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Green ash (*Fraxinus pennsylvanica*) is a deciduous tree in the olive family, native to eastern and central North America. It is a fast-growing, adaptable species often found in moist lowland habitats and widely planted as a shade tree, but many populations have declined because of emerald ash borer infestation.

Description

Green ash is a medium to large deciduous tree with opposite, pinnately compound leaves and a rounded crown. Mature trees commonly reach about 50 to 80 feet in height, depending on site conditions.

Range and habitat

The species is native across a broad swath of eastern and central North America, extending into Canada. It is commonly associated with floodplains, river valleys, bottomlands, swamps, and other moist habitats.

Uses

Green ash has long been valued as a shade and street tree because of its rapid growth and adaptability. Its strong, flexible wood is used in products such as tools, furniture, baseball bats, and canoe paddles.

Conservation and threats

Green ash is highly susceptible to emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that has killed large numbers of ash trees across North America. This has reduced its usefulness in many urban plantings and altered its abundance in some regions.

Key facts

  • Green ash is a native North American tree in the olive family.
  • It is one of the most widely distributed ash species in North America.
  • The tree grows best in moist, fertile, well-drained soils but tolerates a range of conditions.
  • Its wood is used for tool handles, furniture, bats, canoe paddles, and other products.
  • Emerald ash borer has caused major declines in many green ash populations.
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Canadian context

Green ash is native to central and eastern Canada, including parts of Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia, and it is an important native tree for Canadian readers studying prairie and eastern forest species.

Frequently asked questions

What is green ash?
Green ash is a deciduous tree species, *Fraxinus pennsylvanica*, in the olive family.
Where does green ash grow naturally?
It grows across eastern and central North America, especially in moist lowland habitats such as floodplains and riverbanks.
How tall does green ash grow?
It commonly grows to about 15–24 m, or 50–80 ft, depending on conditions.
Why was green ash planted so widely?
It was widely used as a shade and street tree because it grows quickly and tolerates difficult urban conditions.
What threatens green ash today?
The emerald ash borer has caused major declines in green ash populations in many areas.

References

  1. NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/fraxinus-pennsylvanica/
    Supports: Scientific name, family, native range, habitats.
  2. UF/IFAS Extension — https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST266
    Supports: Scientific name, family, hardiness zones, origin, uses.
  3. Missouri Department of Conservation — https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/green-ash
    Supports: General description and tree form.
  4. Iowa State University Extension — https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/forestry/iowa_trees/trees/green_ash.html
    Supports: Leaf traits, distribution, habitat, uses, height, growth rate.
  5. North Dakota State University Extension — https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/trees/handbook/th-3-99.pdf
    Supports: Hardiness, tree size, adaptability, drought and alkali resistance.