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Fraxinus nigra Marsh.
Black ash
USDA Symbol: FRNI
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Tree Size Class: 36-72 ft.
Leaf Color: Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Fruit Color: Green
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
Propagation
Description: Seeds may be sown outdoors after collection or stored and stratified then sown in spring.
Seed Treatment: Stratify in moist sand or perlite for 30-60 days at 41 degrees.
Commercially Avail: yes
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff
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