Fraxinus

Ash is the name of three very distinct group of trees. In America, "ash" generally refers to trees of the genus Fraxinus. In Great Britain, "ash" refers to the mountain ash, genus Sorbus. In Australia, "mountain ash" refers to a type of eucalyptus, Eucalyptus regnans, the tallest tree in the world (taller even than the coast redwood).

American Ash Genus: Fraxinus

The genus Fraxinus is in the olive family, Oleaceae. Ashes are usually medium to large trees. Most have pinnately-compound, opposite leaves.

The white ash is a particularly important timber tree, and is the source of wood for quality wooden baseball bats.

Ashes of North America include:

• Fraxinus americana - white ash
• Fraxinus caroliniana - water ash
• Fraxinus nigra - black ash
• Fraxinus pennsylvanica - green ash (including red ash)
• Fraxinus profunda - pumpkin ash
• Fraxinus quadrangulata - blue ash