Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

white ash

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Fraxinus americana

Family:

Oleaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

tree

Size:

60-80 ft tall by 30-40 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

NA

Fruit Color:

brown,NA

Phenology:

deciduous

Noted For:

Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Shade tree.

Considerations:

Availability:

Quality Nurseries, Native Nurseries

Propagation:

Seed.

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Usually moist, occasional inundation ---to--- Short very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray.

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Clay, Loam

Soil pH:

Slightly acidic to neutral

Suitable to Grow In:

8A,8B

Ecology

Wildlife:

Caterpillars, Birds

Larval host for eastern tiger swallowtail ( Papilio glaucus ), mourning cloak ( Nymphalis antiopa ) and viceroy ( Limenitis archippus ).

Fruits consumed by squirels and other rodents and some songbirds (cardinals).

Native Habitats:

Dry sites. Upland dry mesic forests. Well drained, rich soils.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

Bark was used to produce a yellow dye.

General Comments:

The Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)is a very destructive wood-boring beetle native to Asia. It was discovered in North America in July 2002, and has become established in Michigan, New York, Ohio and Ontario (Canada). Millions of ash trees have been killed in the northeastern US. Although the borer has not been detected in Florida (Dec. 2011), the presence of ash trees and the ongoing movement of wood, trees and cargo into the state make Florida an area where the beetle could potentially become established. Your help is needed to detect possible infestations so they can be quickly eradicated...if you see it, contact the Florida Division of Forestry.