Leaf: Leaves are 20 30 cm in length with 5-9 leaflets, the usual being 7. They are paired oppositely, except at the end, and are compound pinnate. Leaves are green on top, lighter below, ovate or elliptical with barely noticeable saw-toothed edges.

Fruit: Fruits are 2.5 5 cm, brown, and hang in clusters.

Flower: Purple flowers are 6 mm long and appear in clusters before the leaves in early spring. The male and female are found on separate trees.

Twig: The twigs are gray or brown, stout, and mostly hairless.

Bark: The bark has furrows and forking ridges, and is a dark gray in color.

Form: Large tree with a straight trunk and a dense crown of foliage.

Discussion of the Plant

The White Ash can grow to a height of l80 feet and is found growing in the eastern portion of the United States from New York to Florida and west to Texas and Minnesota. The wood of the White Ash is used to make baseball bats, tennis racquets, hockey sticks, and playground equipment.

Copyright

Sue Grabowski, Gail Slowinski, Carl Schurz High School 2003

References

Coombes, Allen, J, Smithsonian Handbook of Trees, Dorling Kindersley, London, 2002.

Little, Elbert, L., Field Guide to Trees, Alfred A. Knopf, New York. 1980.

Symonds, George, W.D., The Tree Identification Book, Quill Publishing, New York, N.Y. 1958.