Green Ash
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
A tough, fast-growing native tree that adapts to almost any growing condition while providing excellent shade coverage. Its compound leaves create filtered shade perfect for lawns, and the brilliant golden-yellow fall color rivals any ornamental tree. Though emerald ash borer has created challenges, treated and resistant varieties continue to make Green Ash a valued choice for homeowners seeking a reliable, low-maintenance shade tree.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
3–9
USDA hardiness
Height
50-70 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Green Ash in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shade-tree →Zone Map
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Green Ash · Zones 3–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry, Occasionally Wet. Water: FRAK-si-nus pen-sil-VAN-ih-kuh. Height: 50 ft. 0 in. - 70 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 35 ft. 0 in. - 50 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: more than 60 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Fertilized female flowers give way to the fruit that is a single-winged, dry, flat samara. The wing extends less than half the body of the fruit, and there is a thin seed cavity. There are usually a large number of samara, and they appear narrow, 1 to 2 inches long, and 1/4 inch wide. Their color changes from green to tan as they mature. They hang in dangling clusters and are displayed on the tree from August to October. They can persist on the tree through the winter.
Color: Brown/Copper, Green. Type: Samara. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Spring
Edibility: Bark can be used in cooking as a thickener for soups or mixed with grain in making bread.
History & Origin
Origin: Central and Eastern Canada to West Central and Eastern US
Advantages
- +Attracts: Butterflies, Moths, Pollinators, Small Mammals, Songbirds
- +Wildlife value: The Green ash is a host plant for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly and many moths. The bark is eaten by rabbits, porcupines, and beavers. Its foliage is browsed by white-tailed deer, seeds are eaten by birds, squirrels, and other small mammals.
- +Edible: Bark can be used in cooking as a thickener for soups or mixed with grain in making bread.
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Wild Ginger
Thrives in partial shade and helps suppress weeds while tolerating ash tree's root system
Hostas
Excellent shade tolerance and complementary root depth, won't compete with ash tree roots
Ferns
Natural woodland companions that thrive in filtered light and help retain soil moisture
Violets
Ground cover that fixes nitrogen and attracts beneficial insects while tolerating shade
Wild Columbine
Native understory plant that attracts pollinators and complements ash tree's natural habitat
Coral Bells
Shade-tolerant perennial that adds color without competing for nutrients at tree level
Astilbe
Thrives in moist, shaded conditions and provides ornamental value under canopy
Solomon's Seal
Native woodland plant with shallow roots that won't interfere with tree's root system
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to ash trees and can cause decline or death
Eucalyptus
Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of nearby trees including ash
Norway Maple
Dense canopy blocks light and shallow roots create intense competition for water and nutrients
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Susceptible to emerald ash borer, ash yellows, and various canker diseases
Common Pests
Emerald ash borer, ash flower gall, lilac borer
Diseases
Ash yellows, anthracnose, various canker diseases