Water Ash Fraxinus caroliniana

Carolina water ash is a rather small, long-lived, deciduous tree or shrub that is native to the southeastern US. In North Carolina, it grows in the deeper swamps and along river bottoms of the Carolina coastal plains and Piedmont areas, although some specimens have been found in Wake and Anson counties. It is a member of the olive family (Oleaceae). The species epithet means “Carolinian.”

In nature, Carolina water ash is an understory tree in moist to wet, shady sites with acidic soil. It does not tolerate salt spray or brackish waters. It will grow in full sun if it has access to adequate soil moisture. 

Carolina water ash is often enlarged at the base and leaning, with a rounded or narrow crown. Typically, the tree grows to 25 feet tall with a diameter of 6 to 8 inches. The leaves are interesting, fairly large and pinnately compound. The winged seed pods hang in groups and add additional interest. 

Use it in wet areas of the yard or where there is frequent standing water, pond margins, boggy areas or low-lying sites. It is perfect for rain gardens. butterfly or native plant gardens.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis), a very destructive wood-boring beetle native to Asia. It was discovered in North America in July 2002, and has become established in Michigan, New York, Ohio and Ontario (Canada). Millions of ash trees have been killed in the northeastern US. See potential insect and disease problems in the factsheets to the left.