Contents
Description
Fraxinus Nigra, commonly known as Black Ash, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the olive family. It is native to eastern North America, where it grows in wetlands, swamps, and along streams. The tree can reach a height of up to 80 feet and a width of 40 feet. Its bark is gray and has deep fissures, while its twigs are slender and brown.The leaves of Fraxinus Nigra are compound, consisting of five to nine leaflets. They are dark green on the upper surface and lighter green on the lower surface. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow, gold, or brown, adding to the tree’s aesthetic appeal. The tree produces small flowers in the spring, which are followed by winged seeds in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Fraxinus |
Appearance
Fraxinus Nigra has a slender and upright crown, with a straight trunk and short branches. It has a moderate growth rate and can live up to 200 years. The tree’s wood is light, strong, and durable, and is often used for furniture, flooring, and tool handles.
Size
Fraxinus Nigra can grow up to 80 feet tall and 40 feet wide.
Leaves
The leaves of Fraxinus Nigra are compound, consisting of five to nine leaflets. They are dark green on the upper surface and lighter green on the lower surface. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow, gold, or brown.
Bark
The bark of Fraxinus Nigra is gray and has deep fissures.
Flowers and Fruits
Fraxinus Nigra produces small flowers in the spring, which are followed by winged seeds in the fall.
Care Guide
Water
Fraxinus Nigra requires moderate watering, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as the tree can be susceptible to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilize Fraxinus Nigra in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the package for the correct amount and method of application.
Soil
Fraxinus Nigra prefers moist, well-draining soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and sandy soil.
Sunlight
Fraxinus Nigra prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones
Fraxinus Nigra is hardy in zones 2 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Fraxinus Nigra is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including:
Emerald Ash Borer
The Emerald Ash Borer is a beetle that feeds on the inner bark of ash trees, eventually killing the tree. Signs of infestation include D-shaped exit holes, bark splitting, and woodpecker damage.
Ash Anthracnose
Ash Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, stem cankers, and defoliation.
Ash Yellows
Ash Yellows is a disease caused by a phytoplasm that infects the phloem tissue of ash trees, causing yellowing, stunting, and dieback.
Habitat
Fraxinus Nigra is native to eastern North America, where it grows in wetlands, swamps, and along streams. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate flooding.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Fraxinus Nigra a good shade tree?
A: Yes, Fraxinus Nigra is a good shade tree. It has a slender and upright crown, which provides filtered shade.
Q: How long does Fraxinus Nigra live?
A: Fraxinus Nigra can live up to 200 years.
Q: What is Fraxinus Nigra wood used for?
A: Fraxinus Nigra wood is light, strong, and durable, and is often used for furniture, flooring, and tool handles.
Q: Is Fraxinus Nigra tolerant of flooding?
A: Yes, Fraxinus Nigra is tolerant of flooding and can grow in wetlands, swamps, and along streams.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Fraxinus Nigra:
- Fraxinus Americana
- Fraxinus Excelsior
- Fraxinus Pennsylvanica
- Fraxinus Velutina
References
- “Fraxinus Nigra.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 8, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282506&isprofile=0&cv=5
- “Fraxinus Nigra.” The Morton Arboretum. Accessed September 8, 2021. https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/black-ash
- “Fraxinus Nigra – Black Ash.” Trees of Canada. Accessed September 8, 2021. https://www.treecanada.ca/resources/trees-of-canada/black-ash/
