Ash, Black Group (F. nigra, F. profunda)

Ash, Black Group is a domestic hardwood

Location

The black ash group includes black ash (F. nigra) and pumpkin ash (F. profunda). Black ash grows in the Northeast and Midwest, and pumpkin ash in the South.

Characteristics

The heartwood of black ash is a darker brown than that of American white ash; the sapwood is light-colored or nearly white. The wood of the black ash group is lighter in weight (basic specific gravity of 0.45 to 0.48) than that of the white ash group (>0.50). Pumpkin ash, American white ash, and green ash that grow in southern river bottoms, especially in areas frequently flooded for long periods, produce buttresses that contain relatively lightweight and brash wood.

Primary Uses

Principal uses for the black ash group are decorative veneer, cabinets, millwork, furniture, cooperage, and crates.

*Much of the base wood information presented here is made available by the USDA FPL FS. If you are interested in a much more technical description of wood properties, I encourage you to visit the source.