[3] Formerly abundant, as of 2017 the species is threatened with near total extirpation throughout its range within the next century as a result of infestation by an invasive parasitic insect known as the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis).

[citation needed] The species was considered abundant and its survival of little concern prior to the invasion of the emerald ash borer, first detected in North America in 2002.

[7] In Mi'kma'ki (made up of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and eastern Quebec, Canada), the black ash, or wisqoq, has been vital to the Mi'kmaw culture and was used to make many functional items like chairs, canoes, axes, snowshoes, and most notably, baskets.

It is also a popular wood for making electric guitars and basses, due to its good resonant qualities.

[12][dubious – discuss] Black ash is unique among all trees in North America in that it does not have fibers connecting the growth rings to each other.

Indigenous peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands also make bark baskets from black ash, traditionally used for berry-gathering.

[13] North American native ash tree species are used by North American frogs as a critical food source, as the leaves that fall from the trees are particularly suitable for tadpoles to feed upon in ponds (both temporary and permanent), large puddles, and other water sources.