Is this tree good for small yards?

No, it grows quite large and has an extensive root system that can damage nearby structures.

How do I identify it?

Look for opposite, compound leaves with seven to nine leaflets and tan, paddle shaped seeds.

Plant guide

Green Ash.

Fraxinus pennsylvanica

Pronounced FRASH-in-us pen-sil-VAN-ih-kuh

Also known as Green ash, Red ash, Red Ash, downy ash, green ash, northern red ash

The green ash is a hardy, fast growing deciduous tree native to North America. It is widely recognized for its adaptability to various soil conditions and its tolerance for urban environments. You will often see it used as a shade tree in parks and along city streets.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous tree
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 50 to 60 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 9
Bloom time: Mid spring

Care

Plant this tree in a spot with plenty of room for its root system to spread. Keep an eye out for signs of the emerald ash borer, which is a major pest for this species. Regular monitoring helps catch infestations early.

Watering: Young trees need consistent moisture until they are well established in the landscape.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support vigorous growth.
Pruning: Prune during the dormant winter season to remove dead or crossing branches.
Repotting: This is a large landscape tree and is not suitable for container cultivation.
Soil: Moist, well drained soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 8.0
Temperature: -40 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 80%

Safety

People: There is no significant toxicity reported for humans.
Children: The samara seeds can be a minor choking hazard if ingested by small children.
Contact allergens: The bark and foliage do not typically cause skin irritation.
Airborne allergens: The windborne pollen can be a significant allergen for sensitive individuals during the spring.
Edibility: The seeds and foliage are not considered edible for humans.

How to identify it

Opposite, pinnately compound leaves
Diamond shaped bark ridges
Samara winged seeds
Smooth, gray twigs

Height: 15 to 20m
Spread: 9 to 15m
Leaves: green, yellow, deciduous
Flowers: green, purple, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: tan, brown, Late summer to autumn

Problems to watch for

Emerald Ash Borer · A highly destructive invasive beetle that bores into the tree and eventually kills it.
Anthracnose · A fungal infection causing leaf spots and twig dieback during wet springs.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

Check your green ash from a photo

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn

Plant this tree in areas with ample space to accommodate its large mature size and heavy leaf litter.

Grows well with

River Birch · They share similar moisture requirements and thrive in riparian settings.
Red Osier Dogwood · It provides a nice understory layer that enjoys the same damp soil conditions.

Similar species

White Ash · It is a closely related species that prefers slightly better drained soils.
Black Ash · It also prefers wet sites but has a more northern distribution.

Science

Family: Oleaceae
Genus: Fraxinus
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Eastern and central North America.
Conservation: While common in the wild, it is under severe pressure from the invasive emerald ash borer beetle.

It thrives in moist soils along riverbanks and floodplains where it can tolerate periodic flooding.

Value to wildlife: seeds provide winter food for birds, nesting site for songbirds
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: shade tree, street tree, erosion control, timber

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 3/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is this tree good for small yards?: No, it grows quite large and has an extensive root system that can damage nearby structures.
How do I identify it?: Look for opposite, compound leaves with seven to nine leaflets and tan, paddle shaped seeds.

Where the name comes from

The name Fraxinus is the classical Latin name for ash trees, while pennsylvanica refers to the state of Pennsylvania where it was first described.

Good to know

The wood is strong and shock resistant, making it perfect for tool handles and baseball bats.
It is one of the most widely distributed ash species in North America.
The leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow in the autumn.

Keep your green ash growing

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.