Ash is a group of hardwood trees found in North America, Europe, and Asia. There are 16 species in the United States. Some are commercially valuable. Ashes may be planted as shade trees to prevent soil erosion. White ash and red ash are common in the Eastern United States. Black ash is found in the Northeastern states.
 

Ash leaves and branches develop in pairs. Each leaf has from 5 to 11 pointed leaflets. Small male and female flowers usually grow on separate trees. The keys (winged fruit) look like canoe paddles. They develop late in the season and fall to the ground in autumn.

Ash wood is hard, strong, and stiff. The wood is used mainly for shovel, hoe, and rake handles and for baseball bats. Ash is also used for furniture, oars, and skis.

Scientific Classification. Ashes belong to the olive family, Oleaceae. White ash is Fraxinus americana. Red ash is F. pennsylvanica. Black ash is F. nigra.


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