Fraxinus excelsior

Ash flower

Fraxinus excelsior 4560

Esche gemeine Holz

Jakobframe

Ash mast at Eglinton

Fraxinus excelsior, commonly known as the European ash or common ash, is a species of flowering plant in the Oleaceae family native to Europe and Asia. It is a deciduous tree, growing to heights of up to 40 meters (130 ft) in ideal conditions. The tree is notable for its distinctive black buds, complex leaf structure, and the winged fruits it produces, known as samaras.

Description

Fraxinus excelsior features a straight and tall trunk, with a full, rounded crown. The bark is pale grey and smooth in young trees, becoming thick and vertically fissured in older trees. The leaves are opposite, pinnate, with 7 to 13 leaflets, each leaflet being lanceolate to elliptical, marginally serrated, and measuring 5 to 12 cm in length. The tree flowers before the leaves emerge, with small purple flowers that are typically dioecious, meaning individual trees are either male or female. The samaras are 2.5 to 4.5 cm long, with a single wing aiding in wind dispersal.

Habitat and Distribution

Fraxinus excelsior is widely distributed across Europe, from the British Isles eastwards to Russia, and southwards to the northern parts of Spain, Italy, and Greece. It is also found in parts of western Asia. The species prefers moist, fertile soils and is commonly found in mixed woodlands, riverbanks, and forest edges.

Ecology

The European ash is a key species in its habitat, supporting a wide range of insect species which, in turn, provide food for birds and mammals. It is susceptible to the ash dieback fungus (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus), which has caused significant declines in populations across Europe. The tree is also attacked by the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), a beetle that has been devastating to ash populations in North America and poses a threat to Europe.

Uses

Historically, Fraxinus excelsior has been valued for its strong and flexible wood, which is ideal for making tools, furniture, and sports equipment such as hockey sticks, oars, and cricket stumps. The wood is also used in traditional carpentry and joinery. In addition, the tree has been used in folk medicine and is known for its ornamental value in landscapes and parks.

Conservation

Due to the threats posed by ash dieback and the emerald ash borer, conservation efforts are underway to protect Fraxinus excelsior. These include breeding programs to select for disease-resistant strains, habitat management to support healthy populations, and research into biological control methods for pests and diseases.