The Ash tree is a deciduous beauty that sheds its foliage every year, but it has a pretty cool trick up its sleeve that sets it apart from other hardwoods. Unlike most trees that put on a vibrant show of reds and golds, the Ash drops its leaves while they’re still perfectly green! Let’s dive into why that happens and take a closer look at what makes these leaves so unique.
What do Ash leaves look like?
If you’re trying to identify an Ash tree in your backyard or out on a hike, keep an eye out for these specific leaf characteristics:
- They are a rich green, usually with a slightly paler underside.
- They are “pinnately compound” (meaning leaflets grow along a central stalk).
- Each leaflet is slightly oval-shaped with a pointed tip.
- The entire leaf structure can reach up to 12 inches long.
- They have “serrated” or saw-toothed edges.
- They sit on a long petiole (leaf stalk).
- You’ll typically find about 9 to 13 leaflets on a single stalk.
Ash vs. Mountain Ash: Don’t get them confused!
A lot of folks call the Mountain Ash (Rowan) a “False Ash,” but they aren’t actually related at all—they belong to completely different plant families. The easiest way to tell them apart is by looking at the leaves. True Ash leaves are noticeably larger and a deeper shade of green than those of the Mountain Ash.
Differences between Ash species
While all Ash trees share some family traits—like those green, compound leaves with serrated edges—different species grow in their own unique ways. The main differences usually come down to the size and shape of the leaflets.
Black Ash Leaves
The Black Ash features oval-shaped leaflets, with the total leaf length reaching about 8 inches.
Texas Ash Leaves
Similar to the Black Ash, the Texas Ash also sports leaves that are roughly 8 inches long.
Pumpkin Ash Leaves
True to its name, the Pumpkin Ash goes big! Its leaves are oval and pointed, but they can grow to a massive 16 inches in length.
Arizona Ash Leaves
The Arizona Ash is the outlier. Its leaves are lance-shaped (long and narrow) and have a fuzzy, velvety texture on both the top and bottom. They are also on the smaller side, usually only 4 to 6 inches long.
Late bloomers
If your Ash tree looks a little bare in early spring, don’t worry—it’s just a late sleeper! Ash trees are famous for leafing out very late in the season. In fact, it’s totally normal to see the flowers appear well before the first green leaves show up.
The mystery of the green leaf drop
So, why do Ash trees skip the fall colors? Most trees pull nutrients back into their trunks for winter, which causes the leaves to change color. However, the Ash tree has a special relationship with soil microorganisms that provide it with a massive amount of nitrogen. Because the tree has such a steady supply of nutrients, it doesn’t need to “recycle” the energy from its leaves before dropping them. They just fall off while they’re still green!
Using Ash leaves at home
Ash leaves aren’t just pretty to look at; they’ve been used in natural remedies for centuries. Ash leaf tea is a classic folk remedy for helping with digestion or constipation. To try it yourself, just steep dried Ash leaves in hot water for a few minutes for a natural, soothing brew.
