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Description
Fraxinus Caroliniana, commonly known as Carolina ash, is a species of ash tree native to the southeastern United States. It can grow up to 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide, with a straight trunk and a broad, rounded crown. The leaves are compound and deciduous, with five to nine leaflets that are dark green and glossy on top and lighter green underneath. In the fall, the leaves turn a yellowish-green color before dropping. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring, followed by clusters of winged seeds that are dispersed by wind.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Fraxinus |
Appearance
Carolina ash is a medium to large-sized tree with a broad, rounded crown and a straight trunk. The bark is gray and smooth when young, becoming rough and fissured as the tree ages. The leaves are compound and deciduous, with five to nine leaflets that are dark green and glossy on top and lighter green underneath. In the fall, the leaves turn a yellowish-green color before dropping. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring, followed by clusters of winged seeds that are dispersed by wind.
Care Guide
Carolina ash prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. The tree should be watered deeply once a week during periods of drought, and fertilized in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Carolina ash is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Carolina ash is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including ash yellows, ash rust, anthracnose, and emerald ash borer. Symptoms of these diseases include yellowing or wilting leaves, cankers on the trunk or branches, and dieback. Infestations of emerald ash borer can be fatal to the tree if not treated promptly. Regular inspections by a certified arborist can help identify and treat these issues before they become severe.
Habitat
Carolina ash is native to the southeastern United States, where it can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including floodplains, bottomlands, and uplands. It is commonly found in swamps and along riverbanks, but can also be grown in urban settings as a street tree or in parks and gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Carolina ash resistant to emerald ash borer?
A: No, Carolina ash is not resistant to emerald ash borer and can be severely damaged or killed by infestations.
Q: What is the best time of year to prune Carolina ash?
A: Carolina ash should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
Q: Can Carolina ash be grown in containers?
A: While Carolina ash can technically be grown in containers, it is not recommended as the tree can grow quite large and requires a lot of space for its root system.
Q: Is Carolina ash a good shade tree?
A: Yes, Carolina ash is a good shade tree and can provide a large amount of shade with its broad, rounded crown.
Related Plants
- Fraxinus americana (white ash)
- Fraxinus pennsylvanica (green ash)
- Fraxinus velutina (Arizona ash)
References
- “Fraxinus caroliniana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 23 August 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a369>
- “Carolina ash.” The Morton Arboretum. Accessed 23 August 2021. <https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/carolina-ash>
- “Fraxinus caroliniana.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 23 August 2021. <https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st429>
