Black Ash

Article about the tree species Fraxinus nigra

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colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Black Ash
Black ash tree
colspan=2 style="min-width:15em; text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Scientific classification
Missing taxonomy template ([//en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?action=edit&title=Template:taxonomy/Fraxinus&preload=Template:Taxonomy/preload fix]):	Fraxinus
Species	Template:Taxonomy/Fraxinus F. nigra
colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Binomial name
Template:Taxonomy/Fraxinus Fraxinus nigra Marshall

Black ash (Fraxinus nigra) is a species of ash tree native to eastern North America. It is found in wetland areas, including swamps and along streams and rivers. Black ash is known for its distinctive bark and its use in traditional basketry by Indigenous peoples.

Description

Black ash is a medium-sized deciduous tree that typically grows to a height of 15 to 20 meters (49 to 66 feet). The bark is gray and corky, with a distinctive pattern of diamond-shaped ridges. The leaves are compound, with 7 to 11 leaflets that are finely serrated along the edges. In autumn, the leaves turn a yellow or brown color before falling.

The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring, which are wind-pollinated. The fruit is a samara, a type of winged seed, which is dispersed by the wind.

Habitat and Distribution

Black ash is commonly found in wetland areas, such as swamps, bogs, and along the edges of streams and rivers. It is native to eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, extending westward to Minnesota and southward to Virginia.

Ecological Importance

Black ash plays a significant role in wetland ecosystems. It provides habitat and food for various wildlife species, including birds and mammals. The tree's ability to thrive in wet conditions makes it an important component of floodplain forests.

Cultural Significance

Black ash has been used by Indigenous peoples for centuries, particularly in the crafting of baskets. The wood is pliable and can be easily split into thin strips, making it ideal for weaving. This traditional craft is still practiced today and holds cultural significance for many Indigenous communities.

Threats

The primary threat to black ash is the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), an invasive beetle that has caused significant mortality in ash populations across North America. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and preserve black ash trees from this pest.

Conservation

Efforts to conserve black ash include monitoring populations, researching resistant tree varieties, and implementing biological control measures against the emerald ash borer. Restoration projects aim to reestablish black ash in areas where it has been lost.

Also see

• Fraxinus
• Emerald ash borer
• Wetland ecosystems
• Traditional basketry