Deciduous. Height 70 to 80 feet. Trunk diameter 3 to 6 feet, in maturity. Life span 200 years. Distribution the uplands of eastern North America from Nova Scotia south to Georgia and west to the Mississippi. It is principally harvested for lumber in the Lake States, as well as New England and the Central States. The largest recorded white ash is in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is 110 feet tall with an 85 foot spread and a trunk circumference of 25 feet.
The white ash is difficult to cultivate so is never found in pure stands. It does grow very well scattered among other species in the forest and thrives in most soil near streams. Like most other hardwoods the timber of the white ash is heavy, hard, strong and durable. What sets ash apart and makes it valuable for many special uses is its exceptional flexibility. Its color is nearly pure lustrous white, ranging through cream to very light brown. It has an attractive, straight, moderately open, pronounced grain.
An abundant native species, white ash seasons easily and quickly. It is readily available as lumber and veneer at moderate prices. Because it is very shock resistant, it is great to walk on; it makes wonderful flooring. It has excellent bending qualities and stays strong after shaping. White ash is easy to work. Because of its large pores it is seldom painted but takes all other finishes very well. "Cabinet Ash" is used for paneling, flooring, interiors, furniture and cabinets. Ash`s bending quality makes it good for upholstery frames and musical instruments. It makes the most wonderful tool handles both straight and curved. White ash is used extensively in the manufacture of sporting goods. We all know that baseball bats are made from white ash. Here`s a sampling of some other athletic equipment made from this tough flexible wood: hockey sticks, tennis rackets, boat oars, canoe paddles, snow shoes, skis, polo sticks, and even pool cue sticks.