Ash

Distribution

About 60 species exist worldwide, primarily in cold temperate regions. Four species are native to Canada. Native ashes (white, red, blue and black) grow in the East; some forms of red ash reach Saskatchewan and even southeastern Alberta.

Description

Trees are of medium height with generally straight, slender trunks. The large compound leaves, consisting of 5-11 leaflets, occur in pairs on the twig. The small, dark flowers are grouped in clusters.

Ashes produce large amounts of fruit in the form of winged seeds, which remain on the tree well into winter and are an important food source for birds and squirrels. Ashes prefer the rich, moist soils of swamps and riverways.

Except in black ash, the wood is heavy, hard, tough and strong. It is widely used for sporting goods, tool handles and furniture.

(See Traditional Plants and Indigenous Peoples in Canada.)