This beautiful specimen of white ash can be found in the middle of the lawn south of the Kirkland Hall. It is among the 20 biggest trees overall in the arboretum. It has a diameter of 118 cm (46 in.), height of 28 m (92 ft.), and crown spread of 25 m (80 ft.). One reason this tree is so large is that it is probably among the first trees planted after Vanderbilt was founded. To see a historic photo of this tree, go to its history page.

This tree is a representative of a dying species. The invasive emerald ash borer has killed virtually all white ashes north of Tennessee and the insect has been found in Nashville.

Ash trees are easily recognized by their paddle-shaped fruit, when it is present. However, this particular tree is probably a male and has not been observed to set fruit. To the practiced eye, large ashes can be recognized by their distinctive bark, whose ridges criss-cross. Ash wood is strong and flexible and is used to make all wooden baseball bats.