How much sun does American Ash need?

American Ash grows best in full sun conditions.

When does American Ash bloom?

American Ash blooms in April and May.

Where is American Ash native?

American Ash (Fraxinus americana) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is American Ash toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag American Ash as toxic to livestock.

What butterflies or moths does American Ash host?

American Ash is a larval host plant for spring azure, tiger swallowtail, and viceroy butterfly.

Is American Ash HOA-friendly?

American Ash takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

American Ash

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Fraxinus americana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

American Ash (Fraxinus americana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag American Ash as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

480"–960" H × 240"–600" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

High Plains Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

American ash is a large native deciduous tree with an upright, oval crown and compound leaves that turn yellow to purple in fall. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring before the leaves emerge. This stately tree was once common in New England landscapes but has been severely impacted by the invasive emerald ash borer beetle.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Ash takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Extremely susceptible to emerald ash borer which has killed millions of ash trees
May require expensive treatments or removal
Large size inappropriate for most residential lots

Wildlife value

Host plant for spring azure, tiger swallowtail, viceroy butterfly.

The flowers attract bees and beetles in early spring. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals, while the foliage supports various native moth and butterfly caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does American Ash need?: American Ash grows best in full sun conditions.
When does American Ash bloom?: American Ash blooms in April and May.
Where is American Ash native?: American Ash (Fraxinus americana) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is American Ash toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag American Ash as toxic to livestock.
What butterflies or moths does American Ash host?: American Ash is a larval host plant for spring azure, tiger swallowtail, and viceroy butterfly.
Is American Ash HOA-friendly?: American Ash takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow American Ash? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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