Branch/Bud Arrangement

Ash trees are opposite branching

Buds are opposite each other (Photo by Allison, http://treeblog.hansels.net/buds/)

Branches are located opposite each other on a limb (Photo by Michigan State University)

Leaves

Ash trees have compound leaves. Each leaf has between 5 and 11 leaflets.

The only other opposite branching tree with pinnately compound leaves is boxelder (Acer negundo)

-----White ash with 9 leaflets ---- ______-- Green ash with 7 leaflets --__-___--- Black ash with 11 leaflets

(Photos by Maine Forest Service)

Bark

Ash trees have smooth bark when young.

Mature trees have fairly deep furrows resembling a diamond pattern (white and green), or corky appearance (black)

- Young bark ------------- Mature white ash ------------- Mature green ash -------------- Mature black ash

(Photos by Maine Forest Service)

Seed

Ash tree seeds are single, oar-shaped samaras that hang in clusters.

They typically stay on the tree until late fall.

(Photo by Robert Vidék, Doronicum Kft, Hungary)

(Photo by Paul Wray, Iowa State University)