Where is Green Ash native to?

Green Ash is native to most of the United States, found naturally in 45 states from Maine to Florida and west to Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Washington.

When does Green Ash bloom?

Green Ash blooms in April and May, producing small flowers before the leaves emerge in spring.

What pollinators visit Green Ash?

Green Ash flowers attract bees and beetles, which help pollinate this wind-pollinated tree species.

What growing conditions does Green Ash prefer?

Green Ash is very adaptable, tolerating full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels from wet to dry soils, making it suitable for diverse planting sites.

Is Green Ash toxic to livestock?

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

Is Green Ash HOA-friendly?

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

Green Ash

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Fraxinus pennsylvanica

Last reviewed: July 2026

Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) is a deciduous tree native to most of the United States, blooming in April and May. This adaptable species supports bees and beetles while tolerating various light and moisture conditions.

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

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

360"–600" H × 240"–480" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, CO, CT and 38 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Green ash is a medium to large deciduous shade tree with an upright, oval crown and compound leaves that turn yellow in fall. It grows relatively quickly and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, making it adaptable to many landscape settings. This tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring before the leaves emerge.

Growing Green Ash

Grow Green Ash in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 600 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Green 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.

Highly susceptible to emerald ash borer which has killed millions of ash trees
Many municipalities now discourage planting ash trees
Potential for sudden tree death and removal costs

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The seeds provide food for birds and small mammals, while the foliage supports various caterpillars and other insects.

Common questions

Where is Green Ash native to?: Green Ash is native to most of the United States, found naturally in 45 states from Maine to Florida and west to Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Washington.
When does Green Ash bloom?: Green Ash blooms in April and May, producing small flowers before the leaves emerge in spring.
What pollinators visit Green Ash?: Green Ash flowers attract bees and beetles, which help pollinate this wind-pollinated tree species.
What growing conditions does Green Ash prefer?: Green Ash is very adaptable, tolerating full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels from wet to dry soils, making it suitable for diverse planting sites.
Is Green Ash toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Green Ash as toxic to livestock.
Is Green Ash HOA-friendly?: Green 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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