Oleaceae: Fraxinus nigra Marsh.
(black ash)
A member the olive family, Black ash is one of three native ash species (genus Fraxinus) found in Nova Scotia. It is characterized by flowers with no petals or sepals; an ovary with two locules each containing two ovules, and a winged samara (fruit) that remains closed. The samara is oblong with parallel veins. The prominent, dark brown to black conical buds are slightly offset from one another on the twigs. Seven to eleven lateral leaflets are lance-shaped and sessile. The stalkless leaflets are glabrous (smooth) with the exception of fine hairs on the midrib on the undersides of the leaflets. It flowers May to June. Black ash is a medium-sized tree that grows in swamps and wet woods from Manitoba to Newfoundland and south to Virginia, Illinois and Arkansas. It is vulnerable in Manitoba and Nova Scotia and secure in the remaining eastern provinces. It is especially prized by the Mi'kmaq for use in basketry.
Sources | Selected Web Resources | Line Drawing
| Jun. 2, 2008 Guysborough County: Canso. Photographer: Ocotillo. | |
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| Nov. 9, 2009. Guysborough County: Canso. Photographer: Ocotillo. | |
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Selected Web Resources
- Taxonomic Status (ITIS) Copy the species name above and paste it into a form on this ITIS Canada page to confirm the nomenclature and list synonyms.
- NatureServe Explorer Copy the species name above and paste it into a form on this page to view a map of its distribution within North America and its conservation status by province and state.