Fraxinus

Ash is the name of two very distinct group of trees. In America, ash generally refers to trees of the genus Fraxinus. In Great Britain, it may also refer to the mountain ash, genus Sorbus.

The genus Fraxinus is in the olive family, Oleaceae. Ashes are usually medium to large trees. Most have pinnately-compound, opposite leaves.

The white ash is a particularly important timber tree, and is the source of wood for quality wooden baseball bats.

Ashes of North America include:

• Fraxinus americana - white ash
• Fraxinus caroliniana - water ash
• Fraxinus nigra - black ash
• Fraxinus pennsylvanica - green ash (including red ash)
• Fraxinus profunda - pumpkin ash
• Fraxinus quadrangulata - blue ash