Black Ash Tree

Growing and Caring for Plants

Photo:

Herman, D.E., et al. 1996. North Dakota tree handbook. USDA NRCS ND State Soil Conservation Committee; NDSU Extension and Western Area Power Administration, Bismarck. Courtesy of ND State Soil Conservation Committee. Provided by USDA NRCS ND State Office. United States, ND., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Black ash has a large natural area in the United States and Canada. It is one among the last trees to leaf out in the spring and among the first to turn yellow and drop leaves in the autumn. These trees thrive in damp environments and are typically found in northern marshy forests.

The Emerald ash borer is threatening black ash throughout its range. This tree species is presently listed as endangered in Ontario. Read the recovery strategy to learn more about how we are protecting the black ash.

Quick Growing Guide

Botanical Name: Fraxinus nigra

Botanical Family: Oleaceae

Also Called: Swamp ash, hoop ash, basket ash

Soil:

Propagation Method

From Seed

Collect seeds in the fall from the tree, after they begin to turn brown

Natural Range

Black ash grows from western Newfoundland to southeastern Manitoba and eastern North Dakota; south to Iowa; east to southern Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia; and north from northern Virginia to Delaware and New Jersey.