Winter Tree Identification – White Ash

This white ash (Fraxinus americana) was photographed by WPC botanist Steve Grund at Allegheny Land Trust's (ALT) Lowries Run Slopes property. ALT recognized the land as an important target for conservation action in part because it was identified in WPC's County Natural Heritage Inventory for Allegheny County as the Lowries Run Slopes BDA (Biological Diversity Area).

Identifying plants in the winter is not always difficult. Experienced botanists and foresters often identify trees by their bark even in the summer, simply because the trunk of the tree is the most accessible to the eyes. White ash has a moderately to deeply furrowed medium gray bark with interlacing ridges. The trunks are typically straight. Like all trees with opposite leaves, it also has opposite branches.

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