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White Ash

Ojibwe Name:

aagimaak

Scientific Name:

Fraxinus americana

Significance in Ojibwe Cultures:

Used to prepare for pregnancy and to lessen the risk of miscarriage. Also used in shoes or around camps to deter rattlesnakes. Because of this, cradles are exclusively made from white ash. It is the type of tree that is the most resistant to lightning.

How to Identify the Leaves:

The tree reaches approximately 30 meters in height. Its' leaves are opposite (symmetrical) compound leaves with 5 to 9, typically 7, leaflets. Thy are dark green on top and very pale below, however, in the fall their leaves turn reddish-purple and leave a notched scar on the branch when they fall.

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