Fraxinus pennsylvanica, commonly known as green ash or red ash, is a deciduous tree in the Oleaceae family. It is native to North America and is particularly abundant in the eastern and central regions of the continent. The tree is characterized by its medium to large size, reaching heights of up to 70 feet (21 meters) and a spread of 50 feet (15 meters) at its maturity.
Green ash has a straight and slender trunk that supports a broad and rounded crown, giving it an overall conical shape. The bark is pale gray to greenish in color, smooth when young, but becoming rougher and more fissured with age. The leaves are compound, typically consisting of 5 to 9 leaflets that are opposite in arrangement. These leaflets are lance-shaped, serrated along the margins, and bright green in color, turning yellow in the fall.
The tree produces small, inconspicuous, and non-showy flowers in the spring, which give way to winged seeds that are known as samaras or "ash keys." These seeds are light brown in color and are easily carried by the wind.
Green ash is valued for its adaptability and ability to grow in a wide range of soil conditions, including wet or poorly drained soils. It is often planted as an ornamental shade tree in urban areas, parks, and along streets. The wood of green ash is also used in various applications such as furniture, flooring, and tool handles, due to its strength and durability.
However, in recent years, green ash populations have been severely impacted by the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that infests and kills ash trees. This has resulted in significant ecological and economic consequences, as green ash is an important component
