Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is subject to restrictions in the UK because of ash dieback disease (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus). More details here
1. Native / Non-native Status
Native to the UK and much of Europe.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – sheds leaves in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Pinnate (feather-like), usually with 7–13 leaflets. Each leaflet is lance-shaped with serrated edges and a pointed tip. Leaves are opposite along the twig.
Bark: Pale grey and smooth when young, becoming fissured and criss-crossed with diamond-shaped ridges on older trees.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Purple-black clusters of flowers appear before leaves in spring. Fruits are long, flattened winged keys (samaras), hanging in bunches and ripening in late summer.
Overall shape: Tall, graceful tree with an open, domed crown and upward-sweeping branches.
4. Typical Size
12–17 m tall on average; can exceed 35 m in good conditions. Crown spread 12–18 m.
5. Habitat & Range
Widespread across the UK in woodlands, hedgerows, parks, and roadsides. Prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soils but grows in a wide range of conditions. Abundant in lowlands, rarer in the far north and on very wet or acidic soils.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Black, sooty winter buds (unique among UK natives).
Opposite branching pattern.
Large pinnate leaves with many leaflets.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Purple-black flowers emerge before leaves.
Summer: Large green canopy of pinnate leaves.
Autumn: Leaves often fall while still green; yellow colouration less common.
Winter: Bare branches with prominent black buds.
8. Human Uses
Strong, elastic timber used for tool handles, furniture, flooring, sports equipment (oars, hockey sticks).
Coppiced for poles and firewood; burns well when green.
Historically used in medicine (leaves as a laxative, bark for fevers).
9. Wildlife Value
Supports many lichens, mosses, and invertebrates.
Seeds eaten by birds such as bullfinches.
Canopy provides habitat for nesting birds.
However, currently threatened by ash dieback disease (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus), which has drastically reduced its ecological role.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
In Norse mythology, the “World Tree” Yggdrasil was thought to be an ash.
Ash coppices were vital in traditional woodland management, providing renewable timber.
Known as one of the “holy trinity” of firewood (ash, oak, beech) for its excellent burning qualities.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Grows in most fertile, well-drained soils; avoids waterlogged ground.
Light: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
Watering: Water regularly until established; drought-tolerant once mature.
Spacing: Allow 10–15 m for large specimens.
Aftercare: Mulch to conserve moisture. Protect young trees from grazing animals. Minimal pruning required, but note high susceptibility to ash dieback disease.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Historically popular for parks and roadside planting, but now rarely planted due to ash dieback.
Garden: Unsuitable for small gardens due to large size and invasive roots; better for estates or woodland settings.