Fraxinus Anomala
(more commonly known as the Singleleaf Ash)Franxinus anomala is a perennial shrub found throughout the southern counties of Utah. Like many other ash species, it sprouts vigorously from its crown roots following fire or logging. What separates this plant from its other relatives, as its anomala (anomaly) species name implies, is that it is the only Ash with single, not compound, leaves. These relatively thickset leaves help give a "healthy" appearance given its semi-arid growing environment. It is not uncommon to see F. anomala in dry canyons (even on slopes) or gulches over a wide range of elevations (3,000 to 11,000 feet).
In the spring, clusters of tiny, petal-less (and rather short-lived) flowers turn from a bright yellow hue to a light greenish-yellow. Following this color transition, samaras (seed pods) develop. They are initially green then fade to yellow-ultimately becoming a bronzed brown, winged seed for dispersal by the wind. These samaras can remain viable in humus (leaf litter) for several years.
Often refered to as a small tree, Franxinus anomala can typically grow between 8 to 14 feet tall. Its full sun preferring leaves have smooth-edges to sharply serrated-edges. These leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow in the fall; however, the colors are customarily blotted out from dead branches interwoven throughout the plant.
