White Ash

This is the largest of the Ash trees in North America, sometimes reaching 100 feet in height. The tallest specimen in Ohio today reaches 85 feet, and almost is 6 feet in diameter. The firm, gray bark of the White Ash has diamond-shaped furrows and interlacing ridges. The tree grows in the rich, moist, well-drained soil of bottomlands and not-so-dry slopes. It ranges throughout Ohio. The size and value of White Ash trees make this one of the primary commercial hardwoods in the United States. The wood is hard, strong, elastic, and very useful. It has a variety of applications, including interior finish, vehicles, furniture, containers, and wooden equipment. Also, it often has been used as a shade or street tree. Several kinds of birds eat the fruit.