Fraxinus americana (white ash)

Fraxinus americana (white ash). . , Family: Oleaceae (Olive Family), Distribution: White ash grows over all of eastern North America and west into Colorado. It is common in every county of West Virginia., Size: about 130 ft. tall, Habitat/Description: White ash can be found in rich woods. It prefers moist, deep soils and full sun exposure. This tree can adapt to a wide range of soil pH. Numerous, small, green to purplish flowers bloom between April and May. White ash has both male and female flowers, with the males appearing first (before the leaves). The pollen coming from male flowers is already airborne during the following 7-10 day period when female flowers are receptive. Fruits produced by female flowers appear in August-October. Seeds from the winged fruit are wind-dispersed in September-November. Wood duck, northern bobwhite, finches, grouse, turkey, cardinals, mice, and fox squirrel eat the seeds of this tree. It has a tendency to develop trunk cavities, which benefits woodpeckers. The common name white ash comes from the white color of its wood., Ethnobotanical Uses: Native Americans used white ash for a number of medical purposes. For example, a decoction of the leaves was used as a laxative and tonic for women after childbirth, The seeds could be used as a cure for fevers. Juice from the leaves helps to soothe the itching and swelling of mosquito bites. Native Americans also appreciated the hardiness, strength, and shock resistance of white ash. They used it to create tools. Today, white ash is famous for its use in baseball bats. It is the most valuable timber tree of the various ashes.