White Ash

Fraxinus americana

Physical Characteristics

Fraxinus americana is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Nebraska and Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Drink A bitter tasting syrup is drawn from the tree[226]. The report gives no more details and does not directly say that the syrup was used as food. It was quite possibly only used medicinally[K].

Medicinal Uses

Aphrodisiac Astringent Bitter Stings Tonic The bark is astringent, emmenagogue and a bitter tonic[46, 61, 254, 257]. An infusion is used to promote menstruation[257]. It has also been used as a wash to treat skin sores, itches and vermin on the scalp[213, 257]. The inner bark is diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic and strongly laxative[222]. It is used as a tea to remove bile from the intestines, as a tonic after childbirth and to relieve stomach cramps and fevers[222, 257]. It is chewed and applied as a poultice to sores[222]. The leaves are used to soothe the itching caused by mosquito bites and bee stings[229]. The seeds are thought to be aphrodisiac[222].

Known Hazards

None known