Opposite branching
Ash branches grow directly across from each other, not staggered. Very few trees share this trait — maples and dogwoods are the main lookalikes. If buds and twigs come out in opposing pairs, it's a strong ash signal.
Identification Guide
How to identify an ash tree
Three traits set ash trees apart from almost everything else in your yard: opposite branching, compound leaves, and diamond-patterned bark. Here's how to spot each one.
The 3 key identifiers
Compound leaves with 5–11 leaflets
Each ash leaf is actually a stem with 5 to 11 smaller leaflets arranged opposite each other, with one leaflet at the tip. Leaflets are oval, pointed, and 2–6 inches long with smooth or slightly toothed edges.
Diamond-patterned bark
Mature ash trees have tight, gray bark with a distinctive woven diamond or X pattern. Younger trees have smoother bark with shallow ridges that deepen with age.
A closer look at ash tree leaves
Ash leaves are the easiest identifier in spring and summer. What looks like a single leaf is actually a compound leaf — one stem holding 5, 7, 9, or 11 leaflets arranged in opposite pairs with a single leaflet at the tip.
- Leaflets are 2–6 inches long, oval, and taper to a point
- Edges are smooth or have very fine teeth
- Color is medium-to-dark green on top, paler underneath
- In fall, leaves turn yellow, purple, or reddish before dropping
- Leaflets always grow opposite each other along the stem
Common ash lookalikes
A few trees share one or two ash features. Check all three identifiers before deciding.
Boxelder
Also has opposite branching and compound leaves, but only 3–5 leaflets and green twigs. Often confused with ash by homeowners.
Black walnut
Compound leaves with 15–23 leaflets and alternate (not opposite) branching. A bruised leaf smells strongly citrusy.
Mountain ash
Not a true ash. Has alternate branching and produces orange-red berries — true ash trees do not produce berries.
Confirmed it's an ash? Check for emerald ash borer.
If you have an ash tree in Minnesota, it is at risk. The emerald ash borer kills 99% of untreated trees within 6 years. Watch for these early warning signs:
- D-shaped exit holes about 1/8 inch wide in the bark
- Thinning canopy starting at the top of the tree
- New shoots sprouting from the trunk or base
- Heavy woodpecker activity stripping bark
- S-shaped tunnels visible under loose bark