Ash - Fraxinus excelsior

Large deciduous tree with distinctive black buds in spring and an untidy round crown, widespread and common particularly in N. England, grows abundantly in hedgerows, meadows and woods to about 25m (82ft) but can reach 45m (148ft), and can reach 200 years old. Can be coppiced, commonly cultivated in the weeping form. Grows on most soils except poorest and acid soils (above pH 5.5). Prefers moist and well-drained fertile soils.

Bark is a grey colour and fairly smooth twigs bearing large black buds and tiny purple flowers during April to May before pinnate leaves of upto 12 sessile slightly oval leaflets appear. Flowers ripen to winged narrow seeds about 25mm (1in) long on slender hanging stalks in sprays. Grows quickly in the first 30 to 40 years but stops at 60. Pale coloured wood is strong and springy and has been used for furniture veneer, Hockey sticks, oars, paddles, rudders, billiard cues, cricket stumps, polo sticks and policemen's truncheons.

Ash - buds and male ♂ flowers

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