Post 49
Green Ash
Fraxinus pennsylvanica

Location

N39º28.875'
W088º24.738'

Date Planted

Spring 2007
This tree was donated and planted by the Don Higgins Family of Higgins Tree Farm in Gays, Illinois.
Tree located at
Hawthorne Elementary School
2405 Champaign Avenue
Mattoon, Illinois

Tree Description

A medium-sized tree usually attaining a height of 30 to 60 feet with a trunk diameter of from 1 to 3 feet, but occasionally it is somewhat larger.  The numerous, more or less upright branches form a rather irregular, broad, and compact crown.

Habitat

Prefers bottom land and swamp and is most often found along the banks of streams. 

Range

From Maine west to Saskatchewan, south to northern Florida and eastern Texas.

Leaf Description

Opposite;  compound, 9 to 12 inches long with 6 to 7 leaflets that are from 3 to 5 inches long and from 1 to 1.5 inches broad, narrowly oval or lance-shaped, with broadly wedge-shaped bases, taper-pointed tips, and rather finely, but sharply toothed margins.  They are bright green and smooth on top and bottom of leaflets, being slightly paler beneath. 

Bark Description

Light or dark gray, diamond-shaped furrows, flat-topped and sometimes scaly ridges.

Fruit Description

Elongated, 1 to 2 inches long, tan in color, lance-shaped samara with one seed at the end;  attractive to birds.