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Black ash identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
Black ash, Fraxinus nigra, is a native tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Opposite, compound leaves. Compound leaves 10 to 14 inches long with 7 to 11 toothed leaflets that have no stalks, with brown hair tufts underneath. Bark: Smooth at first, later scaly to corky and gray-brown. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify black ash
| Leaf type | Opposite, compound leaves |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Compound leaves 10 to 14 inches long with 7 to 11 toothed leaflets that have no stalks, with brown hair tufts underneath. |
| Bark | Smooth at first, later scaly to corky and gray-brown. |
| Fruit | Broad-winged seeds 1 to 1 1/2 inches long in hanging clusters. |
| Twigs | Stout light brown to gray twigs with nearly black buds. |
| Size and shape | Small to medium tree 40 to 50 feet with a slender crown. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is black ash native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists black ash as native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like black ash
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica | Opposite, compound leaves. Compound leaves 6 to 9 inches long with 7 to 9 toothed, narrow leaflets, smooth or silky underneath. |
| White ash Fraxinus americana | Opposite, compound leaves. Compound leaves 8 to 12 inches long with 7 leaflets that are toothed or smooth-edged and paler underneath. |
| Blue ash Fraxinus quadrangulata | Opposite, compound leaves. Compound leaves 7 to 11 inches long with 7 to 11 toothed leaflets, shiny on top. |
| Boxelder Acer negundo | Opposite, compound leaves. A maple with compound leaves: 3 to 5 leaflets (sometimes 7), each 2 to 4 inches long with coarse teeth or shallow lobes, often shaped like small maple leaves. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Other ashes in Pennsylvania
Pumpkin ash (Fraxinus profunda).
Questions
How do you identify black ash?
Look for opposite, compound leaves. Compound leaves 10 to 14 inches long with 7 to 11 toothed leaflets that have no stalks, with brown hair tufts underneath. Bark: Smooth at first, later scaly to corky and gray-brown.
Is black ash native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists black ash as native to Pennsylvania.
How big does black ash get?
Small to medium tree 40 to 50 feet with a slender crown.
How can you tell black ash in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Stout light brown to gray twigs with nearly black buds. Bark: Smooth at first, later scaly to corky and gray-brown.
What tree looks like black ash?
Green ash, White ash, Blue ash, Boxelder. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Fraxinus nigra fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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