Fraxinus americana 'Empire'
Empire White Ash

Fraxinus americana ′Empire′ - Summer Habit

Family:

Oleaceae (Olive Family) 45

Genus:

Fraxinus (Ash) 15

Plant Type:

Tree 580

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 498

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 807

Flowers:

Green (Spring; dioecious; not ornamentally important)

Foliage:

Green (Summer foliage); Multi-Colored (Excellent fall foliage can be yellow-orange, orange, red, or purple)

Fruit:

Brown (Samaras; can cause significant litter)

Ultimate Height:

50 feet

Ultimate Spread:

25 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil:

Widely adapted to soils

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves are opposite, pinnately compound, 8-15" long with 5-9 leaflets (usually 7). Leaflet apex often with remote serrations. Slightly grooved petioles and U-shaped leaf scars. Bark deeply furrowed into diamond pattern.

Special Characteristics:

Bark 161

Drought Tolerant 277

Pollution Tolerant 217

Tolerant of Poor Site Conditions 190

Fall Color 214

Shade Tree 172

Street Tree 130

Additional Information

'Empire' is a narrow, upright tree with handsome fall foliage. Fruits can be a litter problem. An unattractive ash flower gall (caused by mites) can develop on male flowers and persist into winter. Subject to storm damage, so plant in areas that shelter the tree from strong winds. Emerald Ash Borer is severely affecting all species of this genus. Damage can be prevented with the appropriate pesticide, but the treatment cost will eventually exceed replacement cost.