A tree from the uplands throughout the eastern U.S., except for the southeastern coastal plains. It is a quality hardwood and the most important Fraxinus. Leaves are usually with 7 more or less elliptical, entire-serrate, petioled leaflets that turn purple in fall. Twigs are stout and glabrous. Buds are broadly ovoid with 4-6 brownish scales. The 1st pair of laterals are at the same level as the terminal and the leaf scar is usually notched. Bark is ashy gray; initially smooth with interlacing ridges later. Fruit wings are generally rounded at the apex and generally ending at the apex of the seed cavity.