Ash, Ponderosa Pine

Ash, Ponderosa Pine. Station 11. Each leaf on a green ash has 5 to 9 leaflets growing on 8 to 12 inch stems. During fall and winter months, clusters of seeds remain on female ash trees. Note the seed's shape. Indians were inspired to use ash wood for canoe paddles because of the shape of the seeds. Pioneers used ash to make axe handles. Observe the whitish fungus growing on the trunks and branches. These shelf-brackets, or conks, often indicate disease within the tree., Ash , Ponderosa Pine, As you proceed to the next station, notice the Ponderosa pines to the right. They are easily identified by their 3 to 6 inch long needles borne in clusters of two or three. They are harvested for lumber and pulp in the Black Hills. In the eastern part of the state, they are often used in shelterbelt plantings. Pioneers and Indians used the resin from ponderosa pine bark to ease the pain of burns and encourage growth of new skin.