Ashes are handsome deciduous trees which can grow up to 100 ft in height and have a round topped canopy with a spread of 50 to 80 feet. The White Ash is distinguishable from the Green Ash in that its leaves have slightly lighter colored undersides and the outer surface of the twigs may be flaky. The Green Ash top and bottom leaves are the same color and the surface of the twigs are smoother. The ash tree has compound and opposite leaves which grow 8 to 15 inches long and have five to nine leaflets.

The bark on the tree is a light gray to a grayish brown color and has narrow ridges and diamond shaped fissures. Because of its hardness, ashes are used for making, among other things, bats, oars and handles. They are very commonly found throughout University City, but, sadly, will probably soon be decimated by the Emerald Ash Borer which is making its way down into Missouri.