Family: Oleaceae
Green ash is a common native tree in moist woodlands. It is a fast-growing tree, so it is also widely planted in residential areas as a shade tree.
It is relatively easy to recognize because of the opposite compound leaves with 7-9 pointed leaflets. The leaflets are somewhat similar to the leaves of a hickory, but a hickory has alternate leaves, and the leaflets of an ash are much smaller and have small teeth, or serrations, on the edges.
Ecologically, the tree provides nesting and cover sites for migratory birds as well our breeding wood ducks.
As with the black walnut, this species of ash tree is sought after by woodworkers--not because of its color but because of its strength. Green and white ash are used in a quarter of all Major League baseball bats.
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