Wood: The
white ash is one of the most important broadleaf timber trees in
the US. The light brown wood is relatively lightweight, hard, strong, tough
but pliant, straight-grained and shock-resistant. It is used for the long
handles of rakes, hoes and shovels; baseball bats, sporting goods and playground
equipment; the bent parts of furniture; veneer and paneling; boxes, crates
and pallets; apiary and dairy containers; and firewood. The strongest wood
is obtained from young trees of second growth, rather than from older specimens.
Wildlife: Seeds are eaten by wood ducks, turkeys, quail, grouse, finches, cardinals and other songbirds. White-tail deer feed on young twigs and leaves.
Horticulture: The white ash is more ornamental than the green ash, but is less popular due to its slower growth rate, potential size and susceptibility to pests and diseases. It is also less adaptable than the green ash. A Canadian introduction, 'Manitoo,' has a narrow, upright habit. 'Skyline' is a seedless form with good crotch angles and orange-red autumn foliage. 'Autumn Blaze' is a female cultivar with purple fall color, well adapted to prairie regions.
