White Ash
Fraxinus americana
White Ash is among North America's most important hardwoods, renowned for its exceptional strength, shock resistance, and flexibility. It has been the premier choice for baseball bats and tool handles for over a century, though the species is now severely threatened by the invasive emerald ash borer beetle across its native range.
Botanical Profile
Fraxinus americana is a large deciduous tree reaching 15-25 meters in height with a tall, straight trunk and rounded crown. Native to eastern North America, it features compound leaves with 5-9 leaflets. The tree thrives in rich, moist soils and was once abundant before the emerald ash borer infestation.
Physical Properties
The heartwood is creamy white to light brown with a coarse, open-grained texture and prominent growth rings creating striking figure. Density averages 670 kg/m³ when dried with a Janka hardness of 1,320 lbf. The wood exhibits exceptional strength and shock resistance while remaining relatively lightweight, with straight grain throughout.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Low to moderate - generally kind to cutting edges
Gluing Advice
Good gluing properties
Finishing
Good - accepts stains and finishes well
Steam Bending
Excellent steam bending characteristics, among the best
Historical Context
White Ash has been used for tool handles since colonial times due to its unique combination of strength and flexibility. In the early 20th century, it became the standard wood for baseball bats, oars, and sporting equipment. The species now faces severe decline due to emerald ash borer, fundamentally changing North American forestry.
Technical Specs
Threatened by emerald ash borer, declining availability