Identify ash trees

Keys to identify ash trees

graphic: Showing Ash tree with branches that grow opposite of each other

1. Has branches that grow directly across from one another

graphic: Showing Ash Tree with compound leaves

2. Has compound leaves
(a group of leaflets joined by a stalk to a woody stem)

graphic: Showing Ash leaflets

3. Has five to many leaflets with smooth or finely toothed margins


Minnesota's ash trees

Black ash tree
Black ash tree
Black ash trunk
Black ash trunk
Black ash leaves
Black ash leaves
Black ash seeds
Black ash seeds

Black ash (Fraxinus nigra)

Form

A medium-sized tree with a height of 35' to 75', a diameter of 12" to 24"; the crown is rounded and made up of a few short branches; the trunk is supposed to be straight, columnar, but is often leaning or crooked.

Bark

Grayish on older portions of the tree, furrowed and somewhat separated into thin scales that are easily rubbed off; a new growth of light green color.

Leaf

Opposite on stem, length 9" to 16", pinnately compound with seven to 11 yellowish-green leaflets each 4" to 5-1/2" long, oblong in shape, and not stalked except the terminal leaflet; terminal bud is large and pointed; leaves smooth on both surfaces; turn yellow to brown in autumn.

Fruit (seed)

Flat, winged, one-seeded samara, 1" to 1-1/2" long; the wide, thin wing that is rounded or slightly notched at the end nearly surrounds the seed part; seeds usually germinate and start growing in the second year.

Range

Fairly plentiful in the state except in the western half; most abundant in cold, moist locations and along low banks of streams; shade intolerant, slow growing.


Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)

Green ash tree
Green ash tree
Green ash trunk
Green ash trunk
Green ash leaves
Green ash leaves
Green ash seeds
Green ash seeds

Form

Height 40' to 60', up to 24" in diameter; round topped with slender spreading branches.

Bark

Dark brown or gray, tinged with red; strongly furrowed or ridged.

Leaf

Opposite on stem, length 10" to 12", pinnately compound with seven to nine stalked leaflets each 2-3/4" to 5" long, pointed and slightly toothed on margin; bright green or yellowish green on both sides, turning yellow in autumn.

Fruit (seed)

Flat, winged samara, 1" to 2" long; winged portion extends well down past middle or seed-bearing part; slightly notched at outer end; wing has a somewhat square appearance.

Range

Common throughout the state except in the western prairie region; most abundant in valleys and along streams; moderately shade tolerant; fairly fast growing and withstand severe soil and climate conditions.


White ash (Fraxinus americana)

White ash trunk
White ash trunk
White ash tree
White ash tree
White ash leaves
White ash leaves
White ash seeds
White ash seeds

Form

Large tree; tall and often graceful trunk; average height 50' to 80' with a diameter of up to 24"; rounded to the pyramidal crown.

Bark

Dark and nearly smooth on young twigs and branches; greenish-brown on older trees; narrow ridges are separated with marked regularities by deep diamond-shaped fissures.

Leaf

Opposite on stem, length 8" to 12", pinnately compound with five to nine stalked, sharp-pointed leaflets; dark green and smooth above, pale green or whitish beneath; turns yellow or purple in autumn.

Fruit (seed)

The winged samara is 1" to 2" long; resembles a canoe paddle blade with seed toward the handle end; seeds mature in autumn and are distributed effectively by the wind.

Range

Found only in the southeastern part of the state, grows best in rich soil; intermediate in shade tolerance.

 

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