Oregon Ash

fraxinus latifolia

The Oregon Ash (Fraxinus latifolia) is a prominent deciduous tree native to the riparian zones of western North America. This species plays a crucial ecological role in its habitat, providing essential shade, bank stabilization, and wildlife habitat along streams and rivers. Known for its robust growth and adaptability to wet conditions, it is a key component of floodplain forests and contributes significantly to the biodiversity of these sensitive ecosystems. Its presence often indicates a healthy wetland environment, making it a valuable indicator species for riparian health. Historically, its strong, elastic wood has been utilized by indigenous peoples and early settlers for various purposes.

Habitat: Found primarily in wet, riparian habitats such as floodplains, stream banks, river bottoms, and moist forest edges.

Appearance

Oregon Ash trees typically grow to heights of 15 to 25 meters, featuring a relatively open, rounded crown. The bark is gray-brown, becoming furrowed with age. Its leaves are oppositely arranged and pinnately compound, consisting of 5 to 9 (usually 7) ovate to elliptical leaflets, each 6-12 cm long, with finely serrated margins and a smooth to slightly hairy underside. Inconspicuous greenish flowers appear in clusters before the leaves emerge in spring, followed by distinctive winged fruits called samaras. These samaras are paddle-shaped, 3-5 cm long, and mature to a light brown in late summer or fall, facilitating wind dispersal.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyOleaceaeGenusFraxinus

Oregon Ash

Interesting facts

It is the only ash species native to the low-elevation regions of the Pacific Northwest west of the Cascade Range.

Its presence is often a good indicator of consistently moist soil conditions, making it a valuable species for identifying wetland areas.

Oregon Ash plays a vital role in maintaining the health of riparian ecosystems by stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, and filtering water.

The wood of Oregon Ash is known for its strength, flexibility, and shock resistance, making it suitable for tool handles and sporting goods.

Special abilities

Oregon Ash is well-adapted to saturated soils and periodic flooding, thriving in conditions that many other tree species cannot tolerate. Its root system can withstand prolonged waterlogging.

This species exhibits a relatively fast growth rate, allowing it to quickly establish and colonize disturbed riparian areas. This helps in ecosystem recovery and bank stabilization.

The distinctive winged samara fruits are efficiently carried by wind and water, enabling effective seed dispersal over broad areas, particularly along flowing waterways, ensuring reproduction and spread.

Measurements & details

Length: 1500-2500 cm
Weight: 500-2000 kg
Lifespan: 80-150 years

Diet & Feeding

As a tree, the Oregon Ash is an autotroph, producing its own food through photosynthesis using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. It also absorbs essential nutrients from the soil.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon Dioxide
Nitrogen Compounds
Phosphorus
Potassium

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

host plant

Ash Sphinx Moth

Sphinx chersis

Host plant for larvae of various moths.

eaten by

Black-tailed Deer

Odocoileus hemionus columbianus

Leaves and twigs are a food source for browsing herbivores.

habitat

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

Provides nesting sites and perches for birds.

parasite

Ash Leaf Curl Aphid

Prociphilus fraxinifolii

A common pest that causes distortion and curling of ash leaves.

Traits

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Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Oregon Ash?

The easiest way to identify Oregon Ash is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Oregon Ash?

1500-2500 cm

How much does Oregon Ash weigh?

500-2000 kg

How long does Oregon Ash live?

80-150 years

What does Oregon Ash eat?

As a tree, the Oregon Ash is an autotroph, producing its own food through photosynthesis using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. It also absorbs essential nutrients from the soil.

Where is Oregon Ash usually found?

Found primarily in wet, riparian habitats such as floodplains, stream banks, river bottoms, and moist forest edges.

How does Oregon Ash hunt?

Foraging