Most grow in the northern hemisphere. The ashes are all oppositely-branched and have compound leaves. The ashes look similar to each other. Distinguishing characteristics are leaflet stalks, lateral buds, branching form, general appearance, and habitat. The leaf margins have broad, shallow teeth.
Twigs are stout .
The first set of side BUDS are close to the chubby, brown terminal bud. BARK is light gray on young trees and thick, narrow-ridged,and firm on older trees. The trunks grow tall and well-formed, making ash a rather satisfying find in the woods. Compared to white ash, green ash leaves are usually shorter and with one less pair of leaflets. Heights reach only 50-60 feet with diameter rarely over two feet.