Fraxinus americana
White Ash

Mature Height: 70-160'     Longevity: 300 years

3-7 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

3-8 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
3: Not common in dry areas & drought tolerance listed as low. References indicate presence in dry & upland sites.

7: All references indicate well-drained moist soils are best. Is identified by Silvics Manual as intermediate in tolerance of flooding. Harlow & Harrar says does not tolerate poorly drained soils. Found along streams. Borderline 7/8.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Solid Z3. (SOUTH) Solid Z8

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: Same as NAS.

7   Sun Strength

4   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
6 = slightly < rapid
+.3 = Pioneer capable
+.1 = 2 Major, 1 Minor
+.3 = High
0 = No
0 = 75'
+.2 = 160'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
3.7 = intolerant -Intermediate
0 = Not climax
+.1 = 2 Major, 1 Minor
+.3 = High
0 = No
0 = 75'
0 = 300 years

TOTAL SCORE (6.9): Growth rates between moderate and fast. The numerical growth rates indicate tree may grow quicker than moderate label assigned by NRCS Plants database. Can colonize old fields.

TOTAL SCORE (4.1): Shade tolerance ranges considerable but concensus seems to be between intolerant & intermediate. Becomes less shade tolerant with age. Usually persists as a subdominant under canopy & waits for a gap or disturbance to grow into canopy.

4   Fire Strength

3   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: Moderate (Big Tree) = 4
Knowing Your Trees lists bark thickness up to 3" & all references indicate the bole is long and branch free in forest conditions. Root system is also frequently deep. Long lifespan and has a fast growth rate which means spends significant portion of life in more resistant mature form. Fairly fire tolerant when mature but still listed in most references as at least somewhat susceptible to fire.
Final Value = 4

DEFENSE
Base Score: ???
Wood is very strong & tough. References indicate the wood is comparable to hickory (although a little less desirable). Tree only grows to moderate size with a deep root system & good sized trunk. Morphology appears to be pretty windfirm. However Univ. Florida indicates some susceptibility to wind breakage & Iowa state report only identifies tree with intermediate wind resistance.
Final Value = 3