Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) Oleaceae

Created By: Unity College

Opposite leaves,
toothed margin dark green leaves contains 7-11 leaflets which turn rich shades, Compound leaves.
Bark is light gray and smooth on young specimens.
As they mature, the bark becomes rougher, with diamond-shaped patterns.
Black rounded buds.
Native to Europe, Common ash, or European ash is a medium-sized tree. Dense, broad, rounded crown and upward-reaching branches.
Ash trees often grow in groups and can be found in woods, along hedgerows and in streets and parks.
Prefers moist, rich, deep soil and will grow well in a wide range of pH levels. Common in parks as well. Can grow as high as 80 ft tall. grow best in full sun.
Their assorted cracks and hollows also provide valuable nesting sites for many woodland birds as well as roosting sites for bats.
Important for fungi and other invertebrates that live in dead wood.
When seasoned, the wood of European ash is particularly flexible and is therefore used for ladders, oars, airplane parts, tool handles.
Critically threatened by the emerald ash borer, an insect pest.