Ash

Around 50 species of Fraxinus (ash), which is part of the olive family, can be found across Europe, Asia Minor, Africa and North America. They favour a cool atmosphere and deep, well-drained soil. Fraxinus excelsior, the common or European ash, is native to Jersey and the third most common British tree species.

Ash trees typically reach 35m in height and can live for 200 to 400 years, or even longer if well coppiced.

The common ash is one of the easiest trees to identify in winter and spring, thanks mainly to its distinctive velvety jet-black buds. Its seed clusters and flattened twigs are distinctive while its bark, which fissures as the tree ages, ranges from pale brown and grey.

As an extremely strong yet elastic wood, ash doesn't splinter. Used by the Anglo-Saxons as spear handles, it is still used to make tools and sports equipment and was even used to make aircraft wings before the advent of alloys. It's attractive too, making it a great option for furniture.

Ash seeds (keys) provide food for many small mammals and birds, especially bullfinches. Its airy canopy and early shedding of leaves provide optimal conditions for wildflowers and, in turn, insects. Its longevity also means it can support deadwood specialists.

Sadly, the UK is set to lose 80% of its ash trees due to ash dieback, an Asian fungus that isn't harmful to Asian ashes but is devastating to its European cousins, which didn't evolve with it. We’re in the same boat here, where it has long been prevalent.

Finally, the ash has a history entwined with folklore. In Norse mythology it was known as the "Tree of Life", in ancient Britain it was regarded by druids as sacred and used to make wands while here in Jersey its leaves were believed to relieve rheumatism.

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Images: tree by Wikimedia Images; bud by © El Grafo / CC-BY-SA-3.0 (Wikimedia Commons, own work), CC BY-SA 3.0; leaves by Gosiak1980 (Pixabay);  flowers (male) by Donar Reiskoffer, CC BY 3.0 (Wikipedia);  fruit (‘samara’) by Pleple2000, own work, CC BY-SA 3.0.