English
Black Ash
Latin
Fraxinus nigra
Anishinaabemowin
Aagimaak (Snowshoe-making tree); wiisagaak
Physical Description
Black ash is usually a small tree, but sometimes grows to a height of up to 80 ft. It often has a leaning or crooked appearance and is found in wet woods and swamps along with red maple, yellow birch, American elm, tamarack, northern white cedar and black spruce. The grey bark is thin and flakes off when rubbed. The opposite leaves are compound and toothed. Flowers appear before the leaves emerge and the fruit is a winged seed, born in clusters. (Plants used by the Great Lakes Ojibwa)
Uses & Preparation
Used to make snowshoes; Inner bark strips for baskets
Strips of wood were sued in basket-making, and in traditional medical practices an infusion of inner bark was used for sore eyes. (Plants used by the Great Lakes Ojibwa)
Sources
Plants used by the Great Lakes Ojibwa, Meeker, Elias and Heim, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Odanah, WI, 1993