About this tree
Fraxinus excelsior, European ash, is a tall, deciduous tree native to most of Europe and parts of western Asia. It can grow over 30 m tall and is known for its open, airy crown and opposite pairs of pinnate leaves, which turn yellow in autumn. The tree flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge – clusters of tiny, dark purple, petal-less blooms that are wind pollinated. The ash produces winged seeds called “keys”, which hang in bunches and are eaten by birds like bullfinches and wood pigeons. European ash plays a crucial role in woodland ecosystems, hosting over 1,000 species of invertebrates, fungi, and lichens. Its leaves decompose quickly, enriching the soil and supporting a diverse understory. The timber is strong yet flexible and has long been used for tool handles, sports equipment, and furniture. One of the tallest native trees, ash have played an important cultural role in European history, especially in Nordic mythology, in which the World tree “Yggdrasil” is often described as a gigantic ash around which all else in the universe exists. Concerningly, the tree is susceptible to a fungus called Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, which causes so-called “ash dieback” and has devastated populations across Europe. Nevertheless, where healthy trees remain, ash continues to support biodiversity and contributes significantly to woodland structure and function.