[3][4] Blue ash is a medium sized deciduous tree typically reaching a height of 10–25 m (33–82 ft) with a trunk 50–100 cm (20–39 in) in diameter.

The twigs typically have four corky ridges, a distinctive feature giving them a square appearance (in cross-section), hence the species name, quadrangulata, meaning four-angled.

European colonists and American pioneers used this dye to color yarn for use in the production of textiles, sewing, crocheting, knitting, weaving, and embroidery.

Blue Ash wood is used to make flooring, baseball bats, furniture, tool handles, crates and barrels.

[6] It is possible that the blue ash's increased resistance to the borer, as compared with other North American varieties, is due to a higher tannin content.

This is due to the non-native invasive emerald ash borer's massive population increase across the native habitat of these trees.