Carolina Ash
Fraxinus caroliniana Mill.
Fraxinus caroliniana, commonly known as Carolina Ash, is a small ash tree native to the subtropical Southeastern United States and Cuba. It was first described by Philip Miller in 1768. This species typically grows in coastal swamps and subtropical lowlands. It is the smallest of the eastern North American ash species, with a light, soft, and weak wood weighing about 22 lbs. per cubic foot. The tree has compound, opposite leaves 7–12 in long with 5–7 leaflets, and produces 3-winged samaras, sometimes with violet-colored seeds. It is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate individuals.
Description
Fraxinus caroliniana is a member of the Oleaceae family and is found in regions including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Cuba. It can grow up to 40 ft tall. The leaves are ovate to oblong, 3–6 in long and 2–3 in wide, with coarsely serrate or entire edges. The species is part of the section Melioides, which is characterized by its dioecious nature. The fruit is a samara with three wings, and the seed may appear bright violet. It is adapted to wetland and lowland environments, often found in coastal swamps.
Other common names
Carolina AshWater AshFlorida ashpop ashswamp ash
Distribution
Global · Alabama · Arkansas · Cuba · Florida · Georgia · Louisiana · Maryland · Mississippi · North Carolina · South Carolina · Texas · Virginia
Synonyms
Leptalix carolinianaLeptalix cordataLeptalix pallidaLeptalix palustrisLeptalix platycarpaLeptalix pleurodesSamarpses tripteraCalycomelia carolinianaCalycomelia pallidaCalycomelia platycarpaFraxinus americana var. carolinianaFraxinus americana var. tripteraFraxinus caroliniana var. cubensisFraxinus caroliniana subsp. cubensisFraxinus caroliniana f. hypomalacaFraxinus caroliniana f. lasiophyllaFraxinus caroliniana var. oblaceolataFraxinus caroliniana var. platycarpaFraxinus caroliniana var. pubescensFraxinus caroliniana f. pubescensFraxinus cordataFraxinus cubensisFraxinus curvidensFraxinus floridanaFraxinus nigra subsp. carolinianaFraxinus nigrescensFraxinus nuttalliiFraxinus pallidaFraxinus palustrisFraxinus pauciflora
