Distribution, Habitats, and Mortality of Ash (Fraxinus spp ... · Distribution, Habitats, and...

Photo by Jason Harrison

Distribution, Habitats, and Mortality of Ash (Fraxinus spp.) in Maryland

Christopher Frye, State BotanistWildlife and Heritage Service

Natural Heritage Program

The Basics…

Six species of Ash in Maryland Ranging from multi-stemmed small trees to large canopy trees Other species in the plant Family include Privets, Lilac, and Forsythia

This presentation will:

1. Provide a brief overview of 5 of the species2. Then focus on Green Ash and Marshyhope Creek3. Conclude with some general concerns

Fraxinus americana (White Ash)

Distribution maps provided by The Biota of North America Program (bonap.org)

Bark shedding on White Ash after EAB infestation

Photo: Jim Brighton

Visual signs of EAB infestation on White Ash

Dead White Ash in Allegany County

95-99% mortality

Seedlings and saplings are still abundant in the understory.

Fraxinus caroliniana (Carolina Ash)

Photo by Jim Brighton

Carolina Ash at Porters Crossing, Worcester County, MD

Rare and restricted to areas along the Pocomoke.

Fraxinus nigra (Black Ash)

Photo: Jason Harrison

Black Ash in Gravel Hill Swamp, Frederick County

Localized and patchy in Maryland.

Generally associated with nutrient-rich soils high in calcium.

Fraxinus profunda (Pumpkin Ash)

Photo by Peter Stango

Pumpkin Ash along the Pocomoke River

Occurs along outer fringe of tidal swamp forests

Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Green Ash)

Wide-ranging in the US and extremely common in most states.

MarshyhopeCreekDrains ~220 square miles

~37 miles long through Delaware and Maryland

36% forested wetland

61% agricultural land

~2% urban

University of Delaware Water Resources Center.

Idylwild Wildlife Management Area

~3577 acres of bottomland swamp and adjacent uplands

Floodplain of Marshyhope Creek below Noble Bridge in Caroline County.

Green Ash stand in a backswampalong the Marshyhope

Impacts to floodplain plant communities ?

Photo: Jason Harrison

Large increase in sunlightNew habitat for invasivesUnknown replacement timeLarge increase in tree fall and potential damming

Chionanthus virginicus (Old-mans Beard)

Impacts to wildlife ?

Altered spawning migration patterns.Altered stream habitat diversity.Mating and nesting site availability.Altered prey diversity and abundances

Ecosystem (Chesapeake Bay) impacts ?

Large amounts of decaying woody debris

in the riparian zone.

Increased flow of suspended solids.

Increase in nutrient load.

Photo: Jason Harrison

Thanks for listening.