Other Common Names/Trade Names: Brown ash
Scientific Name: Fraxinus nigra
Best Characteristics for Identification: Limited confluent parenchyma arrangement in outer growth ring. Ring-porous.
Uses: Used by native Americans for baskets and other similar products as well as snowshoes. Used locally for cabinetry and furniture.
General Natural Range: Midwestern U.S. and south-central Canada east to New England and the Canadian Maritimes, and south to Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Identical or Nearly Identical Species: None
Other Species Easily Confused With: White Ash, Sassafrass
Means of Distinguishing Similar Species : Somewhat softer than white ash. Aliform and confluent parenchyma arrangement much more frequent in white ash and sassafrass than black ash. Black ash does not have tyloses. Sassafrass does.