Species Profile
Black Ash
Fraxinus nigra
About Black Ash in Alberta
Black ash is a wetland ash of eastern North America, but the current evidence does not support treating it as a confirmed native Alberta tree. Its natural Canadian range is better supported eastward to southeastern Manitoba, so Alberta records should be framed cautiously as planted, cultivated, collection-based, or needing strong local proof. For ARA, black ash would be significant in Alberta mainly because of rarity, correct identification, and the possibility of an unusual cultivated specimen or a highly important verified range-edge record.
Identification: Leaves are opposite and pinnately compound, usually with 7 to 11 leaflets. The most useful leaf trait is that the leaflets are sessile or nearly sessile, meaning they have little to no visible stalk. Leaflets are narrow and serrate, giving black ash a different close-inspection profile from green ash or white ash.
Alberta range and habitat: Black ash should not currently be presented as a confirmed native Alberta wild tree. The stronger Canadian range evidence used places its natural range eastward to southeastern Manitoba rather than Alberta.
| Common name | Black Ash |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Fraxinus nigra |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Alberta status | Not verified as native in this research pass; any Alberta occurrence should be treated as planted, cultivated, or needing stronger proof. |