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Pumpkin ash identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
Pumpkin ash, Fraxinus profunda, 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 with 7 to 9 leaflets, each 3 to 6 inches long, smooth or slightly toothed and velvety underneath. Bark: Light gray-brown with interlacing ridges, nearly blocky. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify pumpkin ash
| Leaf type | Opposite, compound leaves |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Compound leaves with 7 to 9 leaflets, each 3 to 6 inches long, smooth or slightly toothed and velvety underneath. |
| Bark | Light gray-brown with interlacing ridges, nearly blocky. |
| Fruit | Large single-winged seeds 2 to 3 inches long and about 1/2 inch wide, wider than green or white ash seeds. |
| Twigs | Stout, fuzzy light gray-brown twigs. |
| Size and shape | Up to about 90 feet but usually smaller, with a narrow open crown. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is pumpkin ash native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists pumpkin ash as native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like pumpkin 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. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Other ashes in Pennsylvania
White ash (Fraxinus americana), Black ash (Fraxinus nigra), Blue ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata).
Questions
How do you identify pumpkin ash?
Look for opposite, compound leaves. Compound leaves with 7 to 9 leaflets, each 3 to 6 inches long, smooth or slightly toothed and velvety underneath. Bark: Light gray-brown with interlacing ridges, nearly blocky.
Is pumpkin ash native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists pumpkin ash as native to Pennsylvania.
How big does pumpkin ash get?
Up to about 90 feet but usually smaller, with a narrow open crown.
How can you tell pumpkin ash in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Stout, fuzzy light gray-brown twigs. Bark: Light gray-brown with interlacing ridges, nearly blocky.
What tree looks like pumpkin ash?
Green ash. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Fraxinus profunda fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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