White Ash

Fraxinus americana
Oleaceae
Emerald ash borer presence makes this a less suitable species to plant. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Susceptible to storm damage/limb breakage.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
Poor
Wildlife Benefits
Seeds food source for birds, small mammals; cavity nesting site; moth/butterfly host
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
3 to 9
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
135
Bloom Time
Spring (Apr-May)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Part Shade: Receives 2 to 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Medium (40-75 ft)
Growth Rate
Moderate: 1 ft- 2 ft per year
Soil Type
Clay: Small sized particles. Long moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Sand: Large/coarse particles. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist - Dry: Soil can be damp for periods of time and can retain little to no water for periods of time
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
High; Emerald ash borer
Urban Stress Tolerance
Medium: Tree can adapt to a few urban conditions and will generally grow well
Drought Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
6
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G4
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Common
  • Oak Mixed: Common
  • Alluvial: Abundant
  • Red Maple Mixed: Common
  • Ruderal: Occasional
  • Urban Tree Cover: Common
Bloom Color
Purple
Yellow
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Medium: 100-250 years
Soil pH
Acidic (pH<6.8)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACU: Facultative Upland, usually occurs in non-wetlands, but may occur in wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Tolerant: Tolerant to both aerial salt spray and salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Critically Endangered