Singleleaf Ash

Fraxinus anomala

Family: Oleaceae – Olive Family

Fraxinus anomala (Singleleaf ash) is the only species from this family represented at Arches National Park. Deciduous trees 8.3' to 13.2' (2.5 to 4 m) tall

Leaves: opposite; simple; waxy coating on outside; egg-shaped; slightly toothed; 0.6” to 3.4” (1.5 to 8.5 cm) long, 0.4” to 3” (1 to 7.5 cm) wide

Flowers: 0 petals; 4 yellow to whitish lobed sepals; 2 distinct stamens; 1 pistil; flowers usually perfect

Pollinators: other Fraxinus species are pollinated by wind

Fruits: papery samara (winged fruit)

Blooms in Arches National Park: March, April, May

Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub and pinyon-juniper communities

Location seen: widespread, park road mile 0 to 2.5, Park Avenue, Courthouse Towers, Fiery Furnace, Tower Arch

Other: The genus name, “Fraxinus”, is the classical Latin name for this genus and the species name, “anomala”, means “anomaly” which refers to this unique species of ash that does not have compound leaves.

The stout wood was used as digging sticks and tool handles by settlers and Native Americans.