Carolina Ash
(Pop Ash)
Fraxinus caroliniana
Plant Family: Oleaceae
Leaves: Opposite, once-compound, to 30 cm; 5 to 7 elliptic to obovate leaflets with lightly toothed or wavy margins; the terminal leaflet is often larger and more rounded than the others.
Bark: Medium gray to brown, fissured, usually with lichens present, the base of the trunk may be swollen.
Flowers: Dioecious, small, greenish, appearing in clusters on older parts of the stem from late winter to spring.
Fruits: A samara, typical of ash trees, varying green to purple, that holds a single seed; resembles the blade of a canoe paddle; to 6 cm long; spring to summer.
Habitat: Swamps, wet hammocks, and other wetland habitats.
Growth Form: A small to medium-sized tree that sometimes grows in clumps, it is fairly common in hammocks and other wet habitats.
Key Feature: Carolina Ash is the only ash tree found in south Florida, the opposite, compound leaves are diagnostic.
Comments: Carolina Ash is native to the bottomlands and riverbanks of the southeastern U.S.
