Fraxinus nigra
Oleaceae
Emerald ash borer presence makes this a less suitable species to plant. Prefers wetland peat/muck soils. Susceptible to storm damage/ limb breakage.
Summary
Climate Tolerance
Very Poor
Wildlife Benefits
Seeds food source for birds, small mammals; bat roosting site; moth/butterfly host
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
2 to 5
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
135
Bloom Time
Spring (Mar-Apr)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Part Shade: Receives 2 to 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Medium (40-75 ft)
Growth Rate
Slow: 1 ft or less per year
Soil Type
Clay: Small sized particles. Long moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Sand: Large/coarse particles. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist - Wet
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
High; Emerald ash borer
Urban Stress Tolerance
Low: Tree will not grow well in the urban environment
Drought Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
7
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
- Beech Mixed: Absent
- Oak Mixed: Absent
- Alluvial: Rare
- Red Maple Mixed: Rare
- Ruderal: Absent
Bloom Color
White
Purple
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Medium: 100-250 years
Soil pH
Acidic (pH<6.8)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACW: Facultative Wetland, usually occurs in wetlands, but may occur in non-wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Sensitive: Intolerant to either aerial salt spray and/or salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Critically Endangered
