Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Description: The Green Ash is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 75 feet in height. It features a short trunk with a spreading, irregular crown, exhibiting intermediate shade tolerance. Its structure allows it to thrive in various landscape settings.
Twig/Bark: The bark is grayish-brown to gray and is characterized by its thick texture, which is shallowly to moderately fissured, displaying narrow, flat, interlacing ridges. The twigs are stout to somewhat slender, presenting a greenish-brown to gray coloration adorned with pale lenticels and a shallow notch at the apex.
Leaves: The leaves are ovate to elliptic in shape, with an upper surface that is dark green and shiny, contrasting with a pale green lower surface. In the fall, the foliage transitions to a vibrant yellow.
Flower/Fruit: During the spring, green flowers emerge alongside the new leaves. In the fall, the tree produces samaras, which feature rounded wings, contributing to its distinctive appearance.
Habitat: The Green Ash thrives in bottomland hardwood and riparian forests, as well as mesic upland forests. It is commonly found in swamps, sloughs, sinkhole ponds, prairies, and along stream banks, demonstrating its adaptability to various moist environments.