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Ash, common

Ash is the fourth commonest tree species in Britain and is sometimes the dominant tree in a wood. It is found across Europe from the Arctic Circle to Turkey.

What other names does it have?

Can also be known as
  • Uisinn (Gaelic)
  • Ask (Norse)
  • Esh
Generic nameAsh
Latin nameFraxinus excelsior
Family nameAsh
Latin family nameOleaceae

What type of tree is it?

Is it a broadleaf or conifer?It is a broadleaf
Does it lose its leaves in autumn?Yes, it is deciduous

Species description:

Average height15-30m

Leaf

DescriptionSix-twelve pairs of oval leaflets. Each leaflet has irregularly teeth.
ShapeCompound
ColourGreen
Colour of leaves in autumnPale yellow
Leaf budCharacteristic black buds at the end of each shoot
Leaf stalkLong stalk
Leaf arrangementOpposite
Leaf burst usually occursMay (one of the last native trees to come into leaf)

Flower, seed, and fruit

Type of flowerOther
Fruit colourMedium green changing biscuit brown when ripe
Type of seed bodyLarge winged seed/key
Seeds dispersed by
  • Wind

Bark and twig

Bark descriptionPale grey with fine lattice pattern of ridges and fissures
Twig DescriptionGrey or light grey in colour

What other trees are similar?

Can easily be confused with?
  • Other Ashes
  • Elder- which hasfive-seven leaflets instead

Where is it usually found?

Is it native or non-native to the British Isles?Native
Where is its natural range?Britain and Ireland
Preferred soil type or environmental conditions?Can be dominant on heavy or calcareous soils but also survives on poor soils where few other trees can grow. Abundant in most conditions except light sandy soils
What is its British conservation status?Common

Additional information

Human uses of tree and timberThe wood is both strong and flexible. In the past it was used by the Anglo-Saxons for their spears and shield-handles. More recently other uses include tool handles, furniture, sports equipment, walking sticks, tent pegs, oars, gates, wheel rims, and even aircraft wings on the De Havilland Mosquito which flew in World War II.
Tree lore and folkloreIn Scandinavian myths the ash tree was known as yggdrasil, the ‘Tree of the World’ and the ’Tree of Rebirth and Healing’ . In Britain, the ash was also regarded as a healing tree. In the past a naked child was passed through the split trunk of an ash in a ritual to cure a broken limb or rickets.

Common ash tree

Common ash leaves

Common ash fruit

Illustrations supplied by Collins

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Collins Tree Guide

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