Black Ash

Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra)

Common names: swamp ash, basket ash, brown ash, hoop ash, and water ash

Distribution: Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada

Color/appearance: The heartwood is a light to medium brown color. Sapwood can be very wide, and tends to be a beige or light brown; not always clearly or sharply demarcated from heartwood.

Janka hardness: 850 lb_f

Density: 2.83 lb_f

Shrinkage: 1

Radial (thickness): 5.0%

Tangential (width): 7.8%,

Volumetric (total): 15.2%,

T/R Ratio (width to depth): 1.6

Allergies/Toxicity: 1 Ash in the Fraxinus genus has been reported to cause skin irritation, and a decrease in lung function.

Sustainability: CITES: No, IUCN: Yes

Common Uses: Flooring, millwork, boxes/crates, baseball bats, and other turned objects such as tool handles.