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Water Ash

Fraxinus nigra

Last reviewed: August 2026

Water Ash (Fraxinus nigra)
Photo: Herman, D.E., et al. 1996. North Dakota tree handbook. USDA NRCS ND State Soil Conservation Committee; NDSU Extension and Western Area Power Administration, Bismarck. Courtesy of ND State Soil Conservation Committee. Provided by USDA NRCS ND State Office. United States, ND. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Water Ash (Fraxinus nigra) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Water Ash as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

360"–720" H × 240"–480" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CT, DE, IA, IL and 16 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Western Corn Belt PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern PiedmontBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Water ash is a medium to large native tree that thrives in moist soils and wet areas. This deciduous tree produces small flowers in late spring and develops an oval to rounded crown as it matures.

In an HOA neighborhood

Water Ash is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.

  • Requires consistent moisture which may limit placement options

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during the blooming period in May and June. As a native ash species, it provides habitat and food sources for various wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Water Ash need?
Water Ash grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Water Ash bloom?
Water Ash blooms in May and June.
Where is Water Ash native?
Water Ash (Fraxinus nigra) is native to CT, DE, IA, IL and 16 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Water Ash toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Water Ash as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Water Ash attract?
Water Ash draws bees and beetles.
Is Water Ash HOA-friendly?
Water Ash is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Water Ash? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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