Ash

Ash • Fraxinus L. \’ash\

Trees & Shrubs

Conditions: Allergic rhinitis; allergic asthma; allergic conjunctivitis

Symptoms: Itchy, stuffy, or runny nose; post-nasal drip; sneezing; itchy, red or watery eyes; asthmatic symptoms; wheezing; difficulty breathing

Physical description: Grows up to 100 feet tall; bark is dark gray and furrowed forming an interweaving diamond-shaped pattern; leaves are 8-15 inches long with 5-9 leaflets; often yellow, dark purple or maroon in the fall

Environmental factors: Found in floodplain woodlands, upland woodlands, edges of shaded gravelly seeps, high riverbanks, limestone glades, and city parks

Cross-reactivity: Olive, privet

Included species: Black ash, blue ash, Texas ash, and more

References

1. “Ash.”Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ash
2. “White Ash.” Arbor Day Foundation. https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=1082
3. “White Ash.” Illinois Wild Flowers. http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/white_ash.html
4. “Ash (Fraxinus).” PollenLibrary.com. http://www.pollenlibrary.com/Genus/Fraxinus/

Did You Know?

Ash is the most common wood used to make wooden baseball bats.