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WHITE ASH (Fraxinus americana)
BLACK ASH (Fraxinus nigra)
GREEN ASH (Fraxinus pennsylvenica)
Other names: Ash, red ash, swamp ash, water ash; may have
been confused with basswood.

FAIR TO GOOD

The white and green ash are found throughout the eastern half of the adjacent states. The black ash is a northern tree of the Great Lakes Region and North- eastern states. White ash and green ash are very similar, often being called one for the other. They favor upland areas. Black ash is usually found in low or stream bottom terrains. All are rather fast growing but hardy hardwoods. The white and green ashes are the longer lived of the group and more resistant to decay. None have a life expectancy of more than 100 years. 

There are no reports of recovered, life, ash bearing trees marked during the original surveys. The white and green ash stumps have thick and rough bark. The wood is brownish in color. Black ash retains a lighter color, has open pores and the bark turns powdery in fine scales. All ashes decay rapidly when cut. The stumps often sprout new clumps of trees which may be matched to locate a corner. 

The ashes are relatively thin barked. Blaze carefully to avoid separating the bark from cambium layers, well drained and small as possible. Release if in dense stands. Paint thoroughly.