Green Ash

Native to Louisiana and much of the eastern United States, ash trees are well-suited to the low-lying areas of the Atchafalaya Basin, growing more densely in St. Martin Parish than anywhere else in the state. Green ash, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, the most common ash species in Louisiana, is understated in appearance, but can easily be identified by the telltale arrangement of its long green leaves—occurring in pairs on opposite sides of a central stem, one odd leaf at the tip. Throughout the spring and summer the ample branches contribute to the forest canopy and provide habitat for small animals and insects, butterflies and moths in particular. In autumn, as its leaves are turning a golden yellow color, the tree begins producing clusters of light in the form of winged seed-pods called keys.