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Native Trees of Prince Edward IslandWhite ash (Fraxinus americana)
Description:
Another rare native tree that turns up in surprising places - not only in West Prince, but in scattered patches in Kings and Queens counties as well. It is a tall, slender tree with gray or light brown bark, furrowed into diamond patterns. The leaves are compound, with small stems attaching leaflets to the main stem. The leaflets tend to be slightly rounded. Buds are opposite, furry and dark brown.
White Ash leaf.
Growing Conditions:
This ash tolerates a wide variety of conditions, from moist soil to dry sites, from partial shade to full sun. It makes its best growth on rich, well-drained sites and light shading.
Propagation:
Seed should be collected from the tree if possible. Crops are usually quite heavy and can hang on late into the year. Throughout September and into October, collect the seed and plant as soon as possible. If the seed is allowed to dry out, it may take two years to germinate. Plant seeds every 2 in. (5 cm), in rows 6 in. (15 cm) apart, at a depth of 1/4 in. (6 mm). White ash makes very fast growth, generally over 12" (30 cm) each year, so you can have very nice seedlings to plant out quite quickly.
Collecting White Ash seeds.
Wildlife Uses:
The seeds are an important food source for red-winged blackbird, evening grosbeak, pine grosbeak, purple finch and other birds. Beavers often use young white ash for food.
White Ash twig and bud
Areas of usage:
along with red oak, yellow birch and white pine, it is a favorite tree for reforestation. It can be used to diversify existing plantations, under planted after thinnings and planted in small openings in areas of old field white spruce. It grows quickly and can be used where raspberries and other competition might pose a problem. The wood is very valuable and used in making canoe paddles and tool handles, framing light vehicles and for a wide variety of other purposes. It is also excellent as an ornamental and can be used as a component in windbreaks.
For more information on this species, refer to the Atlantic Forestry Centre, the CFS N.B. Trees Page, or the Virtual Foliage Home page. For a thorough review of the ecology, refer to the Silvics of North America.
In 1806, John Stewart wrote an excellent description of Forest Trees and Other Vegetable Productions on PEI at that time.
White ash typical tree form.
White ash twig.
Read more here.
We offer a number of workshops and guided tours at the Macphail Woods and it is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the native trees of Prince Edward Island. Check out the Events Calendar for more information. Web development and maintenance by Chris Martin.
