Family: Oleaceae
Author: Marshall
Bibliography: Arbust. Amer.: 51 (1785)
Year: 1785
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Fraxinus
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada to NC. & NE. U.S.A. and Maryland
Description
The Water Ash, scientifically known as Fraxinus nigra, is a notable member of the Oleaceae family. This deciduous tree is indigenous to regions ranging from Southeastern Canada to North Carolina, including the Northeastern United States and Maryland. Each location it inhabits offers a unique contribution to the ecology of the area.
First officially described in the bibliography “Arbust. Amer.: 51 (1785)” by the botanist Marshall, the Water Ash thrives in wetland habitats, often found along swampy borders and riverbanks. Its presence in these areas is vital, serving as a natural controller of soil erosion while providing essential habitat for various wildlife species.
Fraxinus nigra distinguishes itself with its compound leaves, typically comprising seven to eleven leaflets, each possessing a glossy green appearance. During the fall, these leaves transform into a vibrant yellow, adding seasonal beauty to the forested wetlands they inhabit. The tree also produces small, inconspicuous purplish flowers that bloom before the leaves appear, followed by clusters of winged seeds known as samaras that disperse through the wind, ensuring the propagation of the species.
The wood of the Water Ash is highly valued for its robustness and flexibility, making it a preferred material for crafting tool handles, furniture, and even traditional Native American snowshoes. This utility underscores its economic as well as ecological importance.
However, the Water Ash faces significant threats from diseases and invasive species, such as the Emerald Ash Borer, which have led to declining populations in certain areas. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect and sustain this species, ensuring that it continues to play its critical role in the ecosystem.
In educational and botanical studies, the Water Ash is examined not only for its ecological value but also for its adaptive traits that allow it to flourish in wet environments. Understanding these adaptations provides broader insights into ecosystem dynamics and plant resilience, contributing to conservation biology and forestry science.
In summary, the Water Ash, Fraxinus nigra, is a vital component of its native habitats, offering ecological benefits, economic value, and opportunities for scientific inquiry. Its enduring presence and the challenges it faces highlight the importance of continued conservation efforts.
Common Names
Eng: black ash, swamp ash, water ash, brown ash, hoop ash
Deu: schwarz-esche
Swe: svartask
Fra: frêne noir, frêne de grève, frêne gras
En: Water ash, Black ash, Swamp ash, Brown ash, Hoop ash
Ar: مران أسود
Fi: Mustasaarni
Fr: Frêne noir, Frêne de grève, Frêne gras
De: Schwarz-Esche
He: מילה שחורה
Is: Svartaskur
No: Svartask
Fa: زبان گنجشک سیاه
Sv: Svartask
Synonyms
- Leptalix nigra ((Marshall) Raf.)
- Fraxinus sambucifolia var. cucullata ((G.Kirchn.) Laurentius)
- Fraxinus sambucifolia (Lam.)
- Fraxinus americana var. sambucifolia ((Lam.) D.J.Browne)
- Fraxinus nigra var. cucullata (G.Kirchn.)
- Fraxinus americana var. nigra ((Marshall) Weston)
- Calycomelia nigra ((Marshall) Kostel.)
- Fraxinus nigra var. sambucifolia ((Lam.) Castigl.)
- Fraxinoides nigra ((Marshall) Medik.)
- Fraxinus nigra f. cucullata ((G.Kirchn.) Schelle)
Distribution
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Vermont (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jul 21, 2019 by Brian J McDonald (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 10, 2017 by Brian J McDonald (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 12, 2022 by Brian J McDonald (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2020 by Mario Desharnais (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2019 by Brian J McDonald (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 29, 2022 by Mango Don (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 24, 2018 by Brian J McDonald (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 6, 2017 by Brian J McDonald (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 6, 2017 by Brian J McDonald (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 29, 2022 by Mango Don (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 2, 2008 by Mango Don (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2019 by Joanna Lumbsden (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2019 by Joanna Lumbsden (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2019 by Joanna Lumbsden (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3172369)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:609112-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Fraxinus nigra Marshall)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Stem
Growth habit>: Tree
Growth rate>: Slow
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.2
Ph minimum: 4.4