128 Xative Trees of Kentucky 



d. Bine Ash Fra.rinns quadrangulata. 



Blue Ash is found sparingly in the State, preferring lime- 

 stone regions. Although less abundant in the markets than White 

 Ash, the wood ranks as same grade of lumber. 



An easy mark for identification is the square or four-angled 

 twigs which suggested the specific name, quadrangulata; the 

 common name. Blue, was given from a dye in the bark. 



Unlike the other members of this family, Blue Ash has perfect 

 flowers, borne in loose clusters, appearing before the leaves. 



Tree the most slender of the family. 



Bark light gray, splitting into scales ; branches conspicuously 

 four-angled. 



Leaves 7 to 11 leaflets, pale and hairy beneath. 



Fruit keys, with flat seeds entirely enveloped by long blunt 



wing. 



r. Black Asli Fra.rinns ni^ra. 



The Black Ash is the water-loving member of the family and 

 is found principally in swampy lands in western part of the State. 

 The wood is used for fence posts and in basket making. 

 Three strong characteristics are a guide to identification: 



1. Buds bluish black. 



2. Leaves 7 to 11 leaflets without stems, except the ter- 



minal one. 



3. Flowers defective, wanting two of their floral parts, 



sepals and petals. 



