Confusingly also sometimes known as Red Ash, the contrasting names were once used for two varieties, which are no longer recognised as distinct by taxonomists. Introduced 1783.

Native to huge area across central and eastern Canada, and central and eastern USA. Uncommon, mostly streets or parks.

Dioecious. Wind-pollinated and wind-dispersed.

Medium (25m), pyramidal, maturing into a rounded irregular crown. Bark grey-brown, tight-ridged. Twigs initially velvety then glabrous; buds brown, velvety, the terminal pointed, opposite, with D-shaped leaf scars. Leaves compound pinnate with 3-9 large oval to oblong-lanceolate leaflets (14x6cm), toothed from mid-leaf to the tip, on winged leaflet stalks, glossy green both sides. Flowers purple, petal-less, on separate male and female trees after leaf-flush. Female trees bear samara clusters (25mm), ripening in autumn and persisting over winter. White Ash differs: rounded terminal bud, C-shaped leaf scars, pale leaflet undersides, fully toothed margins, unwinged stalks, flowers before leaf-flush.

Its relatively compact form and tolerance of urban pollution has made this popular as a street tree. Planting has stopped in North America due to impacts of EAB.

No notable associations where introduced.

In its native range, populations have been devastated by EAB. In Britain and Ireland affected by ash dieback.

Ornamental, including attractive yellow autumn colours. A quality timber tree in its native range.