Black Ash (Wisqoq)

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site

Black ash, known as wisqoq in the Mi'kmaw language, is a small tree in the olive family.

Description

Black ash grows in forested wetlands throughout northeastern North America.

Habitat

This tree is rare in Nova Scotia. It grows slowly, seldom reaching more than 10 metres in height.

In Kejimkujik, black ash grows scattered in several forested wetlands. Previously undocumented trees are occasionally found during survey work by Parks Canada staff.

Uses

This tree plays a vital role in the production of Mi’kmaw handcrafts: the splints produced from its wood are a prized material for basketmaking.

Species at risk

Black ash is listed as "threatened" under Nova Scotia’s Endangered Species Act because of its rareness and vulnerability. The population is impacted by habitat loss and the invasive emerald ash borer beetle.

Protection and management

Clear plastic tubes poking up from the forest floor. — Nursery tubes are used in Kejimkujik to protect black ash seedlings from deer

During years of high seed yield, Parks Canada staff collect seed from mature black ash in Kejimkujik and send them for long-term storage and preservation at the National Tree Seed Centre, operated by the Canadian Forest Service.

To bolster Kejimkujik’s black ash population, roughly 200 black ash seedlings (grown from seed collected in Nova Scotia) have been introduced at several locations throughout Kejimkujik.

The intention of this work is to establish the tree in suitable new habitats in Kejimkujik, better ensuring its long-term survival on the landscape.

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