# Green Ash (*Fraxinus pennsylvanica*) The Green Ash tree is known for its bright green leaves and strong branches. It can survive in many different places! - **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 9 - **Habitat:** Wetlands and floodplains - **Also known as:** Pennsylvania Ash, Red Ash ![Green Ash](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424493/objects/4794.jpg) ## Appearance The Green Ash is a medium to large deciduous tree with an upright, oval crown. It has deeply furrowed gray-brown bark and compound leaves with 5-9 ovate leaflets that turn bright yellow in fall. Its distinguishing feature is its bright green leaves and often slightly hairy twigs. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Lamiales - **Family:** Oleaceae - **Genus:** Fraxinus ## Interesting facts - Before saws, Native Americans used ash wood to make bows, because it's so flexible! - Green Ash is one of the most common trees planted in many cities across North America! - Its scientific name, Fraxinus, means 'ash tree' in Latin, linking to its strong wood! - Tiny emerald ash borer beetles can sadly wipe out entire forests of ash trees! ## Special abilities - **Flood Survivor:** Green Ash can survive in soggy soils because its roots tolerate low oxygen, helping it thrive near rivers and wetlands. - **Fast Starter:** Green Ash can quickly establish itself in new areas thanks to its rapid growth rate, making it a pioneer tree. - **Windy Traveler:** Green Ash has winged seeds called samaras that twirl like tiny helicopters, helping them travel far on the wind to new spots. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 15-25 m - **Spread:** 10-15 m - **Edible:** No - **Size:** 30-90 cm - **Lifespan:** 70-120 years - **Fruit Type:** Samara - **Growth Rate:** Fast - **Leaf Type:** Deciduous ## Ecological connections - **Parasitizes:** [Emerald Ash Borer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/emerald-ash-borer) (*Agrilus planipennis*) — Larvae tunnel under bark - **Eats:** [Northern Cardinal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-cardinal) (*Cardinalis cardinalis*) — Consumes its winged seeds - **Eats:** [Elk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/elk) (*Cervus canadensis*) — Browses on twigs and foliage - **Shelter:** [Black-throated Green Warbler](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-throated-green-warbler) (*Setophaga virens*) — Nests and forages in its branches ## Traits - [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons. - [Shade Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/shade-tolerant): Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight. - [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates. - [Fruit Bearing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fruit-bearing): Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds. - [Rapid Growing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rapid-growing): Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. ## Collections - [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Green Ash? Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is Green Ash? 15-25 m ### How wide does Green Ash spread? 10-15 m ### Is Green Ash edible? No ### How big is Green Ash? 30-90 cm ### How long does Green Ash live? 70-120 years ### Where is Green Ash usually found? Wetlands and floodplains ### What kind of fruit does Green Ash produce? Samara ## Where to spot - [Awbury Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/awbury-arboretum) — Pennsylvania, US · Botanical Garden - [South Mountain Reservation](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/south-mountain-reservation) — New Jersey, US · Nature Reserve - [Fort Buford](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fort-buford) — North Dakota, US · Historic Site - [Indian Creek Recreation Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/indian-creek-recreation-area) — South Dakota, US · Park - [Kabetogama Ranger Station District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kabetogama-ranger-station-district) — Minnesota, US · Historic District - [Pleasant Hill Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/pleasant-hill-historic-district) — Georgia, US · Historic District [View all places to see Green Ash](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/green-ash) ## More Trees - [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*) - [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*) - [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*) - [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*) --- Source: [Green Ash: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/green-ash)