White Ash
(Fraxinus americana)

Researched by Doug Thiel.

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General Characteristics:  Range is northern U.S.  Prefers moist, well-drained areas.  Mature height is 70 – 80 feet with a diameter of 3-7 feet.  Leaves are classified as compound with leaflets in groups of 5-9.  Bark is colored dark brown or grey and has flat edges.

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Commercial Value:  Wood is very strong but flexible.  Used for baseball bats, tool handles and fine furniture.

Wildlife Value:  Limited

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Interesting Tidbits:  Ash trees throughout much of the Midwest U.S. including on Grosse Ile are being lost to the Emerald Ash Borer, which is an invasive insect species.  It is estimated that approximately 20% of the native trees on Grosse Ile are in the ash family.