Blue Ash

Fraxinus Quadrangulata

Native to the Midwest and into southern Ontario. It is becoming increasingly rare in Canada to the point of concern. Interesting twigs with 4 distinct ridges. A blue dye was once extracted from the inner bark – hence the common name. Suitable for planting in dry or wet soil conditions. Seeds provide valuable food for local wildlife. Currently at risk from the introduced Emerald Ash Borer but thought to be less desirable to the insect compared with other ash species. Planted in isolation away from large stands of Ash, will improve its chances of escaping the insect. Species has ‘perfect’ flowers on the same tree.