Fraxinus spp
Norse mythology refers to ash as "the mighty tree that supports the heavens" and "below earth its roots went down to hell." Ash belongs to the olive family, although its only fruit is a dart-like winged seed. Ash is a popular species for food containers because the wood has no taste. Admiral Richard Byrd wore snowshoes made from ash during his polar expeditions and early windmills were made from this species.
DISTRIBUTION
Throughout the Eastern U.S.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The sapwood is light-colored to nearly white and the heartwood varies from greyish or light brown, to pale yellow streaked with brown. The wood is generally straight-grained with a coarse uniform texture. The degree and availability of light-colored sapwood, and other properties, will vary according to the growing regions.
WORKING PROPERTIES
Ash machines well, is good in nailing, screwing and gluing, and can be stained to a very good finish. It dries fairly easily with minimal degrade, and there is little movement in performance.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Ash has very good overall strength properties relative to its weight. It has excellent shock resistance and is good for steam bending.
AVAILABILITY
Readily available.
MAIN USES
Furniture, flooring, doors, architectural millwork and moulding, Kitchen cabinets, paneling, tool handles, baseball bats, sporting equipment and turnings. It is particularly suitable for food and liquid containers since there is no odor or taste.
RELATIVE ABUNDANCE
4.6 percent of total U.S. hardwoods commercially available.
