Sassafras or Black Ash

Color/Appearance: The heartwood is a light brown color, though darker shades can also be seen, which is sometimes sold as Olive Ash. Black Ash tends to be a bit darker in color than the White Ash (Fraxinus americana).

Grain/Pore: Has a medium to coarse texture similar to oak. The grain is almost always straight and regular, though sometimes curly or figured boards can be found.