In
all there are about 65 species in this genus, all members of the Northern
Hemisphere hardwood forests. They have compound leaves, for the most part,
and slender, one-winged seeds (some members of this genus have separate
male and female plants).
Fraxinus americana
White Ash
Native of eastern North America, this fast-growing ash reaches 120
feet. The compound leaves are long, oval and pale green. Fall colors
range from red-bronze to purple. This is the most abundantly planted
ash, but it is not common in Portland.
Fraxinus angustifolia
Raywood Ash
The Raywood Ash is a cultivar that originated in the Raywood Gardens
near Adelaide, Australia. The leaves are dark green and serrated,
and they turn to a plum purple color in fall. Raywoods are often seen
as street trees, and their fall color can certainly enhance a street.
Fraxinus
excelsior
European Ash This
ash is native throughout Europe and into western Asia. It is deciduous
and usually attains a height of about 50 feet. The compound leaves
are green in the summer and drop off green or yellow in fall.
'Diversifolia' or 'One-Leaved Ash' - This deciduous tree is a cultivar
of the European Ash. Unlike most ashes, it has a single rather than
compound leaf.
Fraxinus latifolia
Oregon Ash
An Oregon native, this tree likes moist land. It grows to a height
of 80 feet. This is one of the few native western trees with compound
leaves. Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. The wood
makes good baseball bats and ax handles.
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