Black Ash Leaves Identification (5 Expert Tips for Woodworkers)
Did you know that black ash, also known as basket ash, was once so abundant in North America that some indigenous communities relied almost exclusively on it for basket weaving? But sadly, the emerald ash borer is threatening this vital resource. As a woodworker, identifying black ash is more crucial than ever, both for responsible harvesting and for appreciating its unique properties. Through years of experience in the field, I’ve learned that relying solely on tree bark or overall shape can be misleading. The leaves, however, offer a more reliable means of identification.
Here are five expert tips to help you accurately identify black ash leaves, ensuring you’re working with the right wood and contributing to sustainable forestry practices.
1. Leaflet Count: The Key Identifier
The most reliable way to identify black ash is by examining its compound leaves. Unlike simple leaves, which grow individually from a twig, compound leaves are made up of multiple leaflets.
- Black Ash Leaflet Count: Black ash leaves typically have 7-11 leaflets, but I’ve found that 9 leaflets are the most common. This is a good starting point, but don’t rely on the number alone.
- Why It Matters: This range is crucial because other ash species, like white ash, also have compound leaves, but usually with a slightly different leaflet count. White ash, for instance, generally has 5-9 leaflets.
- My Experience: I remember one instance in northern Minnesota where I was initially fooled by a stand of trees that looked like white ash from afar. Upon closer inspection, the leaflet count consistently fell between 9 and 11, confirming they were black ash. This taught me the importance of always double-checking.
- Technical Detail: Leaflet count provides a quantifiable data point. A study published in the Journal of Forestry found that leaflet count, combined with other morphological characteristics, provides a 95% accuracy rate in distinguishing black ash from other ash species.
2. Leaflet Shape and Serration: A Closer Look
Beyond the number of leaflets, their shape and the serrations (or teeth) along their edges provide further clues.
- Black Ash Leaflet Shape: Black ash leaflets are lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, meaning they are longer than they are wide and taper to a point at both ends.
- Serration Pattern: The serrations on black ash leaflets are finely and regularly toothed. The teeth are relatively small and point forward.
- Distinguishing Feature: Nearly Sessile Leaflets: The key distinguishing feature is that the leaflets are almost sessile, meaning they lack stalks (petioles) or have very short ones. This makes the leaflets appear to attach directly to the central stem (rachis). This is unlike White Ash, which has distinct stalks for each leaflet.
- Why It Matters: The leaflet shape and serration pattern help differentiate black ash from other trees with similar leaf structures. The sessile nature is a dead giveaway.
- My Insight: While working on a project in Wisconsin, I noticed that the black ash leaflets had a distinct, almost ‘lazy’ droop compared to the more upright leaflets of white ash. This subtle difference, combined with the sessile characteristic, helped me quickly identify the trees.
- Technical Detail: Leaflet length typically ranges from 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm), and width ranges from 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm). Serration frequency averages 5-7 teeth per inch. These measurements can be useful in field identification.
3. Bud and Branch Arrangement: Confirming the Identification
While leaves are the primary identifier, examining the buds and branch arrangement can provide additional confirmation.
- Bud Shape and Color: Black ash buds are dark brown to almost black, relatively small, and pointed. They are arranged oppositely on the twigs.
- Branch Arrangement: Black ash exhibits opposite branching, meaning that branches grow in pairs directly across from each other on the stem.
- Why It Matters: Opposite branching is a characteristic shared by ash trees, maples, dogwoods, and horse chestnuts (MAD Horse). This helps narrow down the possibilities. The dark color and small size of the buds further distinguish black ash from other ash species.
- My Advice: I often use a small hand lens to examine the buds more closely, especially when the leaves are not fully developed or have already fallen.
- Technical Detail: Bud length typically ranges from 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm). The angle of the buds to the twig is typically acute, forming a sharp angle.
4. Bark Characteristics: A Supplementary Clue
Although relying solely on bark can be unreliable, it can be a helpful supplementary clue when combined with leaf identification.
- Bark Appearance: Black ash bark is typically grey to greyish-brown and has a corky, ridged texture. Mature trees often exhibit a diamond-shaped pattern of ridges and furrows. The bark is relatively soft and can be easily peeled off in thin, papery layers, especially on younger trees.
- Why It Matters: The soft, corky bark is a result of the tree’s adaptation to wet environments. This is a distinctive feature that can help differentiate black ash from other ash species with harder, more furrowed bark.
- My Observation: I’ve noticed that the bark of black ash tends to be more consistently grey than that of white ash, which can have a more brownish hue. This is a subtle difference, but it can be helpful in combination with other characteristics.
- Technical Detail: Bark thickness can range from 1/2 inch to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in mature trees. The pH of the bark is typically slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.
5. Habitat and Location: Context is Key
Finally, consider the habitat and location of the tree. Black ash is typically found in wet, swampy areas and along stream banks.
- Preferred Habitat: Black ash thrives in poorly drained soils, often in areas that are seasonally flooded. It is commonly found in swamps, bogs, and along the edges of wetlands.
- Geographic Range: Black ash is native to eastern North America, ranging from Newfoundland to Manitoba and south to Virginia and Illinois.
- Why It Matters: Knowing the preferred habitat and geographic range of black ash can help you narrow down the possibilities. If you’re in a dry upland area, it’s unlikely that you’ll find black ash.
- My Experience: I once spent an entire afternoon searching for black ash in a dry, sandy area, only to realize that I was completely outside of its natural habitat. I learned the hard way that understanding the ecological preferences of a tree is just as important as knowing its physical characteristics.
- Technical Detail: Black ash typically grows at elevations below 1,500 feet (457 meters). Soil moisture content in its preferred habitat is typically above 50% during the growing season.
Bonus Tip: Use a reliable field guide or tree identification app. There are many excellent resources available that can help you identify trees based on their leaves, bark, and other characteristics.
Black Ash Wood: Properties and Uses
Once you’ve correctly identified black ash, understanding its properties and uses is essential for any woodworker.
- Wood Properties: Black ash wood is relatively soft and lightweight compared to other hardwoods like oak or maple. It has a straight grain and a coarse texture. The wood is known for its excellent bending properties and its ability to be split easily.
- Traditional Uses: Black ash has been traditionally used for basket weaving due to its ability to be pounded and separated into thin, flexible strips. It is also used for furniture making, cabinet work, and interior trim.
- Modern Uses: Today, black ash is still used for basket weaving, particularly by indigenous artisans. It is also used for veneer, plywood, and pulpwood.
- Technical Detail: Black ash has a specific gravity of 0.49 and a Janka hardness of 850 lbf (3,780 N). Its modulus of rupture (MOR) is 8,800 psi (60.7 MPa), and its modulus of elasticity (MOE) is 1.2 million psi (8.3 GPa). These values indicate its strength and stiffness properties.
- Drying Considerations: Black ash dries relatively easily with minimal warping or checking. However, it is important to sticker the wood properly to allow for adequate air circulation. The recommended moisture content for woodworking is 6-8%.
- Sustainability Concerns: Due to the threat of the emerald ash borer, it is important to source black ash from sustainable sources. Look for wood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or other reputable organizations.
Case Study: Basket Making with Black Ash
I once had the opportunity to work with a Native American artisan who specialized in black ash basketry. She taught me the traditional method of pounding the logs to separate the growth rings into thin strips.
- The Process: The logs were first debarked and then pounded with a mallet until the growth rings separated. The strips were then shaved and shaped to create the basket.
- Technical Challenges: The biggest challenge was finding logs that were straight and free of knots. The quality of the wood directly affected the strength and durability of the basket.
- Lessons Learned: I learned that the key to successful black ash basketry is patience and attention to detail. The process is time-consuming, but the results are well worth the effort.
- Data Points: The artisan estimated that it took approximately 40 hours to create a medium-sized basket. The finished basket weighed approximately 2 pounds (0.9 kg) and had a load-bearing capacity of 10 pounds (4.5 kg).
Safety Considerations When Working with Black Ash
When working with black ash, it is important to follow proper safety precautions.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask when working with wood.
- Tool Safety: Use sharp tools and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Dust Control: Black ash dust can be irritating to the respiratory system. Use a dust collection system or wear a respirator to minimize exposure.
- Lifting Techniques: Use proper lifting techniques to avoid back injuries. Get help when lifting heavy logs or boards.
- Fire Safety: Black ash sawdust and shavings are flammable. Store them in a covered container and dispose of them properly.
- Technical Standards: Adhere to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards for woodworking safety. These standards cover topics such as machine guarding, ventilation, and personal protective equipment.
