Oleaceae -- Olive family

    Richard C. Schlesinger

    White ash (Fraxinus americana), also called Biltmore ash  or Biltmore white ash, is the most common and useful native ash  but is never a dominant species in the forest. It grows best on  rich, moist, well-drained soils to medium size. Because white ash  wood is tough, strong, and highly resistant to shock, it is  particularly sought for handles, oars, and baseball bats. The  winged seeds provide food for many kinds of birds.