Mexican Ash
Scientific name: Fraxinus uhdei
Overview
Mexican Ash is a fast-growing hardwood native to Mexico and parts of Central America. The species has been widely planted throughout warm climates around the world as a shade and ornamental tree due to its rapid growth, attractive appearance, and adaptability to urban environments.
The wood resembles many other ash species, offering a combination of strength, flexibility, and good working characteristics. While it is generally lighter than some North American ash species, Mexican Ash remains a useful utility and furniture wood that is appreciated for its stability and ease of machining.
Although the species is better known as a landscape tree than a commercial timber source, it occasionally appears in regional lumber markets and specialty woodworking projects.
Within the Central American hardwood group, Mexican Ash represents an important member of the ash family and serves as one of the region’s more versatile utility hardwoods.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Mexican Ash
- Scientific Name: Fraxinus uhdei
- Region: Central American Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 50–100 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 39 lbs/ft³ (625 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,320 lbf
- Color: Pale tan to light brown
- Grain: Generally straight
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Mexican Ash is characterized by its light-colored heartwood and sapwood, which often appear similar in color. The wood typically ranges from pale tan to light brown and displays the prominent growth ring structure commonly associated with ash species.
The grain is usually straight, though occasional boards may display mild figure. Finished surfaces exhibit a clean, uniform appearance with moderate natural luster.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale tan to light brown coloration
- Distinct growth ring patterns
- Generally straight grain
- Medium to coarse texture
- Moderate natural luster
- Good strength-to-weight ratio
- Excellent flexibility
- Uniform appearance
- Prominent open pores
Working Properties
Mexican Ash is generally considered easy to work and responds well to most woodworking operations.
- Machines easily
- Turns well
- Bends well with steam
- Excellent nail and screw holding
- Glues effectively
- Stains and finishes readily
- Sands smoothly
- Good dimensional stability
- Moderate wear resistance
Safety Note
Wood dust from Mexican Ash may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during woodworking operations.
Common Uses
Mexican Ash common uses include:
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Flooring
- Interior millwork
- Tool handles
- Sporting goods
- Woodturning
- Architectural trim
- Decorative woodworking
- Utility lumber
- Collector wood samples
Sustainability & Notes
Mexican Ash occurs naturally throughout portions of Mexico and Central America and has been widely planted in urban and suburban landscapes throughout warmer regions of the world.
The species is valued for its rapid growth, shade production, and adaptability to a wide variety of growing conditions. In many areas, it serves as an important ornamental and street tree.
While not a major international timber species, Mexican Ash contributes to local forestry resources and provides habitat benefits within both natural and managed landscapes.
As with other ash species worldwide, monitoring forest health and pest pressures remains important for long-term sustainability.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
American Ash – One of the most commercially important ash species, known for its strength, flexibility, and use in sporting goods.
Rain Tree – A decorative Central American hardwood valued for furniture, slabs, and woodworking projects.
European Ash – A traditional European hardwood used extensively in furniture, tool handles, and specialty woodworking.
Related Guides
Ash Species Guide – Explore the major ash species found around the world and compare their wood properties, appearance, and uses.
Hardwood vs Softwood: Key Differences Explained – Learn how hardwood anatomy influences strength, durability, and woodworking performance.
Best Woods for Furniture Making – Explore popular furniture woods and compare their strengths, appearance, and applications.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Mexican Ash is an interesting addition to wood collections because it represents a tropical member of the ash family. Well-prepared specimens showcase the open grain structure, prominent growth rings, and light coloration characteristic of ash woods.
Collectors often appreciate the species for its connection to the broader ash group and its role within the forests and landscapes of Mexico and Central America.
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When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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