General:  Green ash is a native spreading, round topped tree which grows to a height of 70 feet or more. The deciduous leaves are pinnately compound, 8 to 12 inches long, with 5 to 9 leaflets. The leaflets are oblong, lustrous green on both sides or somewhat paler beneath. The twigs are pale gray along with brown bark. The fruit (samara), usually containing one seed, is light colored, 1 to 2 inches long and ¼ to 1/3 inch wide with a wing.

Habitat

Green ash is found in areas with 15 to 60 inches of yearly precipitation. It is found growing naturally in bottomlands subject to frequent flooding or overflow. Green ash is moderately tolerant to shade. Some woody species associated with green ash include box elder (Acer negundo), red maple (A. rubrum), pecan (Carya illinoinensis), eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), black willow (Salix nigra), and American elm (Ulmus americana).

Uses

Livestock: Green ash stems are browsed by livestock. Cattle utilize green ash habitats for shade, water, protection, and shelter during calving season.

Wildlife: Green ash seeds, stems, and foliage provide cover and food for several small animal species including rabbit. Both game and nongame bird species use this habitat for food, nesting sites and roosts. Black birds, finches, grosbeaks, and cardinal feed on ash fruits. In a study by Hopkins (1984), the Coopers hawk and mountain bluebird nested only in green ash woods.

Residential: Green ash is popular as a shade tree in residential areas because of its good form and adaptability to a wide range of sites.

Windbreak: Green ash is used frequently in windbreaks and shelterbelt plantings.

Pests and Potential Problems

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) was accidentally introduced from Asia in Michigan approximately fifteen years ago. Only attacking ash trees, the beetles can kill an ash tree within three years (Tennessee Department of Agriculture, 2016). It has spread through many states, including Tennessee, and is responsible for the loss of millions of ash (Fraxinus sp.) trees. In Tennessee, 47 counties have been quarantined in an effort to reduce the spread of the emerald ash borer (TDA, 2016).

References

Brakie, M., (2013). Plant guide for green ash (fraxinus pennsylvanica). Retrieved from http://plants.usda.gov/java/factSheet 

Hopkins, R.B. (1984). Avian species associated with prairie woodland types. In Noble, D.L. &    R.P. Winokur (Eds.), Wooded draws: Characteristics and values for the northern great plains: Proceedings of the symposium (pp. 27-35). Rapid City, SD: South Dakota School   of Mines and Technology, Biology Department.

Tennessee Department of Agriculture (2016).  Emerald ash borer (HTML). Retrieved from   http://www.tn.gov/agriculture/topic/ag-businesses-eab