Black Ash is a medium-sized native tree and is one of the northernmost ash species in North America. Its importance goes beyond the garden: Black Ash has deep cultural significance, particularly because its wood has traditionally been used by Indigenous peoples for basket making. In Ontario, Black Ash is currently listed as Endangered, largely because of the devastating impact of Emerald Ash Borer.

Black Ash is sometimes called Basket Ash or Hoop Ash because its wood has traditionally been used to make baskets. Indigenous basket makers have developed specialized techniques for preparing and splitting the wood.

It is a dioecious tree, meaning male and female flowers are generally found on separate trees.

Black Ash is a very long-lived tree. Some individuals can survive for 200–300 years.
Its seeds have an unusual strategy: they have deep dormancy and may not germinate until their second year, while seeds in the soil can remain viable for several years.
Emerald Ash Borer is a major concern. Black Ash has particular cultural importance because the loss of the trees also threatens the continuation of Indigenous knowledge and traditional practices.

Collecting and preserving seed from healthy, locally adapted trees can contribute to maintaining genetic diversity. Natural Resources Canada maintains conservation collections of Black Ash seed.