Fraxinus nigra aka Water Ash

Taxonomy

Genus Fraxinus Family Oleaceae Order Lamiales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Fraxinus nigra, also known as black ash, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to parts of eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. The bark is thick, grey and corky even on young trees, becoming scaly and fissured with age. Its winter buds are dark brown to blackish, with a velvety texture. The leaves are opposite, pinnately compound, with 7-13 (most often 9) leaflets, and each leaf is 20-45 cm long. Inconspicuous flowers are produced in spring before the new leaves in loose panicles, and are wind-pollinated. The fruit is a samara 2.5-4.5 cm long comprising a single seed 2 cm long with an elongated apical wing 1.5-2 cm long and 6-8 mm broad. Unfortunately, as of 2014, the species is threatened with near total extirpation throughout its range due to infestation by a parasitic insect known as the emerald ash borer. As a houseplant, black ash is super rare and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Black ash likes soil that is well-draining and should not need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Water Ash, Black Ash, Swamp Ash

How to care for Water Ash

Difficulty

Water Ash is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Water Ash should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Water Ash loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Water Ash requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Water Ash will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The Water Ash should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Water Ash’s native range is North-eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Manitoba, south to Virginia and Iowa.

More info:
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More Species in Fraxinus Genus

Fraxinus griffithii Formosan Ash

Fraxinus xanthoxyloides Afghan Ash

Fraxinus velutina Arizona Ash

Fraxinus floribunda Himalayan Manna Ash

Fraxinus excelsior Ash

Fraxinus quadrangulata Blue Ash

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Fraxinus uhdei Shamel Ash

Fraxinus profunda Pumpkin Ash

Fraxinus caroliniana Florida Ash