Fraxinus

(fraks'e-nus) (Bot.) The Ash, a gen. of trees, O. Oleacese, well distinguished by its fruit,which is dry and indehiscent, two-celled, compre ed, and ending in a leaf-like expansion (samara). The White Ash, F. American us, which much resembles the European species, F. excelsior, is common in the Northern States and in Canada. In height, gracefulne of form, and elegance of foliage, it has no superiors, scarcely any competitor. Its branches at first keep close to the trunk, and form acute angles with it; but as they begin to lengthen, they generally take an easy sweep, and the loosene of the leaves corresponding with the lightne of the spray, the whole forms an elegant depending foliage. [s. 383]