Fraxinus excelsior aka Ash

Fraxinus excelsior is known as common ash or European ash. It belongs to the olive family, Oleaceae. Its native range spans Europe and parts of western Asia. This includes Britain, Ireland, Turkey, and the Caucasus. It is a large tree that sheds its leaves. Growth is fast, and the crown forms a broad dome. Garden trees reach about 60–85 feet [18–26 metres] tall. Some reach 100–140 feet [30–43 metres]. One garden source gives a spread of 60 feet [18 metres]. Others describe crowns as wide as the tree is tall.

Young bark is smooth and has a grey-brown hue. Older bark forms ridges and grooves with a diamond pattern. The stout twigs bear dark, almost black winter buds. Leaves grow in pairs along the stems. Each pinnate leaf has seven to eleven leaflets with toothed edges. Their upper faces are green, with paler shades beneath. Sources differ on autumn colour, from green to yellow. Some trees drop their leaves while they are still green.

Small flowers open before the leaves, from April to May. They lack petals and range from green to deep purple. Male and female flowers may share a tree or grow separately. The flowers offer little show in the garden. Fruits are samaras, each with a single wing. They hang in bunches and ripen in late summer and autumn. Some remain on the tree through winter. Female trees can shed enough seed to cause unwanted seedlings. Fallen fruit can also create litter.

Grow this ash in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. Deep, fertile loam gives the best growth. It also tolerates clay, sand, and chalk. Neutral or alkaline soil suits it, though UConn reports broader pH tolerance. Cool summers suit it better than hot, dry sites. Sources rate it for USDA zones 5–7 and UK H6. It tolerates salt and exposed sites. Garden uses include shade, street planting, parks, and woodland gardens. Its strong, flexible wood serves for handles, oars, and furniture.

Emerald ash borer poses a severe threat and can kill trees. Missouri Botanical Garden advises against new planting because of this pest. Ash dieback, honey fungus, ash yellows, and mites pose further risks. PFAF reports food uses for pickled young seeds and seed oil. It also records leaf tea and manna from the tree. These uses do not establish that all parts are safe. PFAF warns of poisoning in ruminants and skin reactions in people.