=Distribution.=--This species has only recently been separated from the
white ash and its range has not been ascertained. It is known to occur
in the Appalachian Mountains from Pennsylvania to Georgia. In Indiana it
is known to occur as far north as Wells County. It is commonly
associated with the white ash, but much less frequent except in a few
districts where it is the prevailing type. Such a district is in Gibson
County north of Owensville. Here as well as in other parts of Gibson
County very large trees have been observed. In the original forest the
pioneers called the very large specimens of ash with deeply furrowed
bark "the old fashion" ash. It is believed that most of these specimens
were of this species. In the hilly parts of Indiana this species is
found in situations too dry for the white ash, and for this reason
should be given preference in hillside planting.
On the wooded bluff of White River in Fairview Park north of
Indianapolis is a specimen that measures 31 dm. in circumference, b.h.
The deepest furrows on the north side of the tree are 6 cm. deep.
=Remarks.=--This species is not yet commonly separated from the white
ash and is known to the trade as white ash. Mr. Beadle who first
recognized the species, named it Biltmore ash in honor of the Biltmore
Estate on which the first tree was discovered. Authors ever since have
so called it, and the common name which this form should bear is
Biltmore ash.
On the Clark County State Forest is a planting of sixteen year old white
ash in which are mixed quite a number of Biltmore ash. This species at a
distance, can be distinguished from the white ash by the rougher bark of
the trunks and the darker green color of its foliage, and in the autumn
by its more colored foliage. A closer view shows that the leaflets of
the Biltmore ash stand in a plane above the rachis higher than those of
the white ash.
The wood is not commercially distinguished from the white ash, but its
mechanical properties rank it somewhat below that species.[70]
[Illustration: Plate 126.