Ash Tree Varieties: Identifying Different Types of Ash Trees
Ash trees are a popular choice for landscaping and gardening due to their sturdy and attractive nature. There are many varieties of ash trees, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. In this article, we will discuss the different types of ash trees and how to identify them.
1. White Ash (Fraxinus americana)
The white ash is a large deciduous tree with a height of up to 100 feet. It has a broad, spreading crown and can live for up to 250 years. The bark of a mature white ash tree is grayish-brown in color with diamond-shaped ridges. Its leaves are compound, with five to nine leaflets that are 2 to 5 inches long. The white ash is prized for its strong wood, which is used for furniture, flooring, and sports equipment.
2. Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
The green ash is a medium to large-sized tree that can grow up to 60 feet tall. It has a narrow, upright crown with branches that spread outwards. The bark of a mature green ash tree is smooth and gray, with shallow fissures. Its leaves are compound, with seven to nine leaflets that are 2 to 4 inches long. The green ash is commonly used for landscaping and as a shade tree due to its fast growth rate and adaptable nature.
3. Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra)
The black ash is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 50 feet tall. Its trunk is straight and slender with a narrow, conical crown. The bark of a mature black ash tree is gray with deep furrows. Its leaves are compound, with seven to eleven leaflets that are 2 to 4 inches long. The wood of the black ash is highly valued for its strength and elasticity and is used for crafting baskets, tool handles, and furniture.
4. Blue Ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata)
The blue ash is a medium to large-sized tree that can grow up to 60 feet tall. It has a rounded crown with thick, corky bark that gives it a distinctive appearance. Its leaves are compound, with seven to eleven leaflets that are 2 to 5 inches long. What sets the blue ash apart from other varieties is its unique square stems, which are easily identifiable. Unfortunately, the blue ash is endangered due to a disease called ash yellows, which is caused by a phytoplasma.
5. European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
The European ash is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 130 feet tall. It has a broad, domed crown with grayish-brown bark that peels off in plates. Its leaves are compound, with seven to thirteen leaflets that are 2 to 6 inches long. The European ash is widely cultivated for its durable wood, which is used for furniture, flooring, and sporting goods. It is also known for its resistance to pollution and diseases.
6. Oregon Ash (Fraxinus latifolia)
The Oregon ash is a medium to large-sized tree that grows up to 80 feet tall. It has a broad, spreading crown and a straight trunk with grayish-brown bark. Its leaves are compound, with five to nine leaflets that are 2 to 5 inches long. The Oregon ash is native to the Pacific Northwest and is valued for its beautiful wood, which is used for furniture, flooring, and cabinets.
7. Pumpkin Ash (Fraxinus profunda)
The pumpkin ash is a large deciduous tree that grows up to 80 feet tall. It has a broad, oval-shaped crown with brownish-gray bark that is deeply furrowed. Its leaves are compound, with seven to nine leaflets that are 3 to 6 inches long. The pumpkin ash is known for its beautiful fall foliage, which turns bright yellow and orange. It is often used for landscaping and as a shade tree.
8. Texas Ash (Fraxinus texensis)
The Texas ash is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 35 feet tall. It has an oval-shaped crown with dark gray bark that is smooth when young but develops rough, scaly patches as it ages. Its leaves are compound, with five to nine leaflets that are 2 to 3 inches long. The Texas ash is native to the southern United States and is commonly used for landscaping and as a street tree.
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