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| The arboretum's pumpkin ash (Fraxinus profunda) is pictured center, growing next to the white bridge. In October 1990, it was purchased from Woodlanders Nursery (Aiken, SC), and it was planted shortly after its arrival. This pumpkin ash has an upright habit with drooping branches. The lower limbs have been removed. Over the past several decades, it has grown in competition for sunlight, resulting in a noticeable bend in its trunk. |
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| Authorities often classify this species as a swamp tree. It's commonly found growing with bald cypresses and water tupelos. Professor Leuck wisely selected a wet location for this pumpkin ash. It grows on the east side of the arboretum stream. |
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| An old wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) is pictured behind the pumpkin ash, on the opposite side of the bridge. Two large water oaks (Quercus nigra) are pictured to the right, further up the slope. The pumpkin ash competes with these old oaks for sunlight. |
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| Under the bridge, the roots of the pumpkin ash blend in with the landscape rocks. |
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| The pumpkin ash roots have spanned the stream, serving as a natural weir, slowing down the flow of water. Frogs and other 'little fellers' will have to clamber over the obstacle. |
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| The pumpkin ash is known for having a swollen trunk. The base widens over time. Our 30-year-old specimen is developing this characteristic. |
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| The base of the trunk gradually slopes outward. |
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| This is a detail of the bark from the base of trunk. The dark gray bark is rough and divided into small strips and blocks. The pattern is well worth observing closely. What can you see here? |
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| Further up the trunk, the bark is lighter gray with larger, longer fissures dividing the vertical-looking plates. |
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| A volunteer Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) has been allowed to climb the trunk. It's very hairy! Check out this publication for a photo showing the difference between a hairy poison ivy and a hairy Virginia creeper. |
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| This Virginia creeper vine has a firm hold on the bark of the pumpkin ash. |
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| Looking up at the bare branches, we see the silhouetted clusters of flowers and new leaves. |
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| The pumpkin ash branches droop down low to the ground, allowing us the opportunity to study the new growth and to snip a few branchlets for further investigation. |
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| On this twig we see two new leaves, opened staminate flowers and unopened flower buds. |
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| Here we have a couple of new, compound leaves, stuck together. |
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| The flower buds appear in pom-pom clusters. |
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| When vigorously rustled, these staminate flowers release a tiny plume of pollen. |
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| Pumpkin ash flower buds |
For more information about this species consult the following:
United States Department of Agriculture -- be sure to zoom-in on the distribution map
U.S. Forest Service
Louisiana Plant Identification and Interactive Virtual Tours (LSU Ag Center)
Virginia Tech Dendrology
