into Arizona. Ecology Oregon ash is intolerant of shade, and may eventually be replaced by more competitive trees such as bigleaf maples or conifers that block the light with their leaves or sheer size. This tree flourishes when its habitat become opened due to floods, blowdowns, or other disturbances. Oregon ash sprouts vigorously from cut stumps or fire-killed trees. Young trees typically grow vigorously for their first 60 years, with their growth slowing considerably in the following years. This particular species of ash is well adapted to soggy ground due to its moderately shallow, but extensive and wide-spreading root system. This also allows for the tree to withstand wind storms exceptionally well. Ash tolerates flooding considerably better than Douglas-fir and grand fir. Oregon ash also provides nourishment to songbirds, squirrels, and water fowl by way of its seeds. Deer and elk have also been known to graze its foliage and sprouts. Uses The wood of Oregon ash compares favorably to the valuable lumber of eastern ashes, but it is seldom used for hardwood products because of its limited availability and distribution. The Cowlitz Indian Tribe used its wood for canoe paddles and digging sticks. Europeans, and later European Americans, have long preferred similar species of ash for comparable purposes such as tool handles and sports equipment. The light color of the wood is somewhat lustrous, hard, strong, stiff, high in shock resistance, flexible, workable with machines, and wears smooth with use. The commercial application of Oregon ash has been limited due to the much more abundant eastern ashes. The young and fast-growing wood of ash is more elastic and more favorable for handles and baseball bats because it has wider growth rings. The wood of old ash trees in general are valued for firewood due to their fine grain and brittleness. It is commonly used as an ornamental or shade tree within and beyond it native range of the Pacific Northwest because of its rapid growth rate, symmetrical shape, and hardiness. It has also been known to be used for wind breaks and to help with riparian restoration due to its wide root system and quick growth. Thomas Nuttall found that stories persisted in Oregon that rattlesnakes would admonish sticks from the tree; this was historically reported by Pliny the Elder. References External links latifolia Trees of the West Coast of the United States Trees of British Columbia Trees of