Ash

Fraxinus excelsior

Height 20-30 m, bole up to 1 m diameter. Deciduous. Upper branches are ascending, lower ones curve downwards sometimes almost vertically, then turn upwards near the tip. Bark is dark-green and fissures with age. Leaves are pinnate, 20-35 cm with 9-13 stalked, toothed leaflets.

What habitats does it normally live in?

Europe east to the Caucasus. Woodland, forest, hedgerows. Valuable timber tree, its white wood was used to make carriage shafts.

What are its young like?

Male and female flowers occur on the same tree on separate twigs in purplish clusters during April and May. Fruits are long seed pods that hang down in dense clusters. Winged seeds are called "keys".

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