Pumpkin Ash Recovery Strategy
Aboud & Associates was retained by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) to write the provincial Pumpkin Ash Recovery Strategy. Pumpkin Ash is an Endangered hardwood tree species that is native to southern Ontario wetlands. The ecologists and arborists at Aboud & Associates used their expertise and knowledge of ecology, invasive species, and species at risk conservation to author a comprehensive scientific document that is accessible to a non-scientific audience. Aboud & Associates deeply values Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and consulted and met with Indigenous communities across Pumpkin Ash’s southern Ontario range. Our ecologists are honoured to participate in the production of a document aimed at guiding recovery efforts.
A forest in Ontario with several Pumpkin Ash. (Photo taken by William Van Hemessen)
A close up view of Pumpkin Ash bark (photo taken by Brynn Varcoe)
Seeds or Samaras of Pumpkin Ash still on the tree (Photo taken by William Van Hemessen)
Pumpkin Ash underside (abaxial) of the leaf (Photo taken by William Van Hemessen)
Winter twig of Pumpkin Ash (Photo take by Brynn Varcoe)
Pumpkin Ash leaves which are Pinnately Compound (Photo taken by William Van Hemessen)
Samaras of Pumpkin Ash beside a ruler showing the size which is approximately 5 cm long (Photo taken by William Van Hemessen)
Pumpkin Ash leaf showing the petiole connection to the stem (Photo taken by William Van Hemessen)
Pumpkin Ash leaf showing the leaflet connections to the rachis from the adaxial side (Photo taken by William Van Hemessen)
Pumpkin Ash leaf showing the leaflet connections to the rachis from the abaxial side (Photo taken by William Van Hemessen)
Abaxial surface of a Pumpkin Ash leaflet (Photo by Sean Fox)
Planted Pumpkin Ash at the University of Guelph Arboretum (Photo by Sean Fox)
The most critical threat to Pumpkin Ash is the Emerald Ash Borer. Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive species of beetle native to Asia. The larvae of Emerald Ash Borer burrow into the bark and cause the eventual death of the tree by causing significant damage to the bark and ultimately cutting off the nutrient supply to the rest of the tree.
All species of North American Ash are impacted by the Emerald Ash Borer to varying degrees. Pumpkin Ash is extremely susceptible and as a result Pumpkin Ash populations have been decimated and the species is on the verge of extirpation (regional extinction) in Ontario.
Pumpkin Ash is also suffering from habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation. Pumpkin Ash is a wetland dependent species and has a limited range within southern Ontario putting it at particular risk of habitat loss. Wetlands are a particularly vulnerable habitat type within densely populated southern Ontario.
How can you help?
Do not transport untreated wood products such as firewood from its original source
Emerald Ash Borer and other invasive species can spread rapidly through transport of untreated wood. Always buy and burn your firewood locally.
Don’t rely solely on visual inspection, firewood may not have any visible signs of infestation but may still carry pests.
Moving firewood from places where regulated pest have been found can be a violation of provincial and federal laws and regulations, and may result in fines and/or prosecution.
Identify and manage Emerald Ash Borer infestations
Emerald Ash Borer is a metallic green and black beetle.
S-shaped tunnels/galleries through bark can be used to identify infestation.
Other signs of infestation include: canopy dieback, shoots growing from the lower trunk, bark cracking, white larvae, D-shaped exit holes, and evidence of woodpecker activity.
Injectable pesticide treatments may help control and kill the infestation. Special care must be taken when applying insecticides. More info can be found on federal, provincial, and municipal websites.
Learn how to identify North American Ash species
Pumpkin Ash can be difficult to identify due to its similarity to Green Ash.
Helpful identification information can be found on the University of Guelph Arboretum page, the COSEWIC Assessment Report, and in the provincial species profile.
Native ash species found in Ontario include: Pumpkin Ash, Green Ash, Black Ash, Blue Ash, and White Ash. European Ash can also be found in urban areas as a planted species.
Create a bio-inventory of your land
Identifying and reporting Pumpkin Ash to the NHIC and iNaturalist can help researchers assess the population status and conserve the gene pool.
Inventorying the species found within your property can help you target your conservation efforts.
Become a wetland enthusiast
Conserve wetland habitat on your property.
Advocate for protection of Ontario’s wetlands.
Participate in invasive wetland species control efforts.
Get to know the other species found in Ontario’s wetlands.
Spread the word
Advocate for Pumpkin Ash conservation and share helpful resources.
Encourage others to survey wetland habitat on their property for Pumpkin Ash.
Inform friends and families about invasive species and the risk of transporting firewood.
Tell everyone how amazing wetlands area!
