Native Plant Database

Fraxinus nigra Marsh.

Black ash

Oleaceae (Olive Family)

Black ash is a small-canopied, medium-sized tree, 40-50 ft. tall. Branches reach upward instead of outward like white ash. Leaves are pinnately compound with leaflets that are finely serrated. Bark is scaly and flaky rather tham ridged and furrowed. Insignificant fall color.

The northernmost native ash, Black Ash takes its name from the dark brown heartwood. Baskets, barrel hoops, and woven chair bottoms are made from thin rough strips of split wood, giving rise to the other names.

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Leaf: Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Fruit: Green
Size Class: 36-72 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Purple
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr

Distribution

USA: CT , DE , IL , IN , IA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , NH , NJ , NY , ND , OH , PA , RI , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: MB , NB , NL , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Distribution: Nf. to Man., s. to VA, KY & IA
Native Habitat: Wet woods; stream banks; lake margins
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet , Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Peat soils, also sandy loams.
Conditions Comments: Black ash is one of the hardiest of all hardwoods. Fast-growing and long-lived. Susceptible, like many ashes, to a wide variety of disease and insect pests; these usually are not a problem to vigorously growing trees.

Benefit

Attracts: Birds

Last Update: 2007-01-01