Fraxinus latifolia

Fraxinus latifolia (Oregon ash) is a member of the Oleaceae (Olive) family native to western North America on the west side of the Cascade Range from southwestern British Columbia south through western Washington and western Oregon to central California. It can grow to 25 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of 30-80 centimeter, and it is typically larger in the northern part of its range. Trees can live to 250 years; young trees are fast growing, slowing down in maturity. It is usually found in riparian corridors within forest, woodland, chaparral, or grassland. The compound leaves are pinnate, 12-33 centimeter long, with 5-9 leaflets, each leaflet ovate, 6-12 centimeter long and 3-4 centimeter broad, and often show signs of disease and brown rot, even on otherwise healthy plants. The inconspicuous flowers are dioecious, meaning that male and female parts are contained in separate flowers. The fruit is a samara, 3-5 centimeter long including the wing, and not usually produced until the tree reaches 20-30 years of age. It is also a vigorous stump-sprouter.