| Name | Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra) |
| Type | Hardwood. |
| Other Names | Also known as brown ash, swamp ash, basket ash, and hoop ash. |
| Sources | Grows in United States and Canada. |
| Appearance | Generally straight grained with a coarse texture. Grayish brown heartwood and light brown sapwood. |
| Physical Props | Moderately heavy and hard with medium strength, stiffness, and shock resistance. Softer, weaker and lighter than white ash. Poor resistance to abrasion and decay. Good stability in service. Steam-bends exceptionally well. |
| Working Props | Works well with hand or machine tools – easier than other ashes. Marginal turning and mortising properties. Glues satisfactorily. Holds nails and screws well but pre-drilling recommended. Stains and finishes well. |
| Uses | Used for interior trim, furniture (bent parts especially), basket weaving (splits easily along annual rings), dowels, plywood, and decorative veneer. |
| Comments | White ash is a better choice than black ash for applications such as tool handles where strength is important. |
