A coastal species from Virginia to Florida, and across the Gulf Coast to eastern Texas, Carolina Ash grows in wet habitats, including swamps and borders of lagoons. It is a small tree (39 feet) with a rounded crown 12-inch diameter trunk. The bark is gray and often scaly and blotched. The leaves are pinnately compound, opposite, and up to 12-inches in length. There are 5-7 leaflets that are up to six inches in length and toothed. Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees; they lack petals. The fruits are single-seeded samaras, uniformly wide to diamond shaped.
Growing Instructions
The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year.
1. Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for two months.
2. Fill a pot with potting soil.
3. Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
4. Water the container and leave it to drain.
5. Put the pot in a warm, sunny area.
6. Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet.
7. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.