[Skip to main content](#main-content) ![](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/species/frene1.jpg?d=128x128)Ash: Characteristics and use ============================ The common Ash is a hardwood tree that can reach a height of 30 meters and live 150 to 200 years. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ### Ash *Fraxinus excelsior*, the common Ash or the tall Ash, is a [deciduous tree](https://ecotree.green/en/forestry-definitions#caduc) belonging to the Oleacea family. The genus Fraxinus comes from the word "spear" in Latin as their soldiers' spears were made from Ash wood. Common Ash is widely distributed in Europe and can grow up to 400m in height. [ Become a Tree Owner ](https://ecotree.green/en/treeshop) ### Why does EcoTree plant Ash? In several European countries, the common Ash is in significant decline due to the spread of a fungal disease, chalarosis. However, ash trees are home to a large number of animals, plants, and fungal species which depend on it. That's why it's important to ensure planting more and their survival. EcoTree repels **chalarose invasions** of Ash trees by diversifying our species. ### Ash - Overview ### Ash - Overview The ash is recognizable by its large [ trunk ](https://ecotree.green/en/forestry-definitions#tronc) whose bark is green-grey or yellowish, sleek before turning dull brown. It has black [ buds ](https://ecotree.green/en/forestry-definitions#feuille) that are clearly visible in winter. Its dark green, [deciduous](https://ecotree.green/en/forestry-definitions#caduc) , feathery leaves are divided up into 7 to 15 oval leaflets. They have sharp teeth and are oriented around the central rib, like a feather. They appear quite late in May and last through early winter, turning yellow in the autumn. Its flowers appear in April to May and last until early winter. There are male ash trees, female ash trees, and hermaphrodite ash trees. Winged achene, or flattened samaras, contain one seed each. Read moreRead less ![Ash](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/species/frene2.jpg?d=128x128) ### Ash - Species requirements Ash grows well in almost any soil, even [limestone](https://ecotree.green/en/forestry-definitions#sol), but prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soil. It does not do well in tough, compact soil. The ash is a light species, needing sun exposure. ### Common Ash's Wood Resilient Ash [wood](https://ecotree.green/en/forestry-definitions#bois) is white with a pink and pearly tinge, quite hard, and resilient. It is also very pliable, making it good for making wooden tool handles. Furthermore, ash wood is often used for making music instruments, as well as in cabinetry. In the Middle Ages, Ash was planted near castles to ensure a supply of lances, javelins, and spears. Nowadays, it is used in the manufacture of skis, oars, tennis rackets, billiard cues, and more. ### Common Ash's Symbolism Its **hardwood** has long made it the symbol of powerful solidity and immortality. It's been seen as a link to, and even sometimes as a medium between, heaven and earth. The ash is a protector of children, making it the perfect gift for a parent. What could be more original than [giving a tree to your father ](https://ecotree.green/en/fathers-day-gifts) or mother! Give an unique gift! ### Our selection of trees Our goal is to enable anyone to do something that benefits nature and helps us to live in a more harmonious world. So why not become a tree owner in a European forest and help combat climate change? ![](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/06/96105ed8287751db1269defde9fbf8e13ce62c7e.jpg?d=240x135) ![Flag FR](https://img.ecotree.green/graphism/flags/fr.svg) [Sitka Spruce](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7594) €19 Age: 0 to 2 years old Priziac forest Morbihan, Brittany, France Cleaning water Symbol of tradition [See more details](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7594) Quantity Add to cart ![](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/03/738ec0d3eb00819acddd92919cb2bb44c1f43553.jpeg?d=240x135) ![Flag FR](https://img.ecotree.green/graphism/flags/fr.svg) [Chestnut](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7599) €19 Age: 0 to 2 years old Priziac forest Morbihan, Brittany, France Boosting biodiversity Symbol of abundance [See more details](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7599) Quantity Add to cart ![](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/03/ce5cad33d398c64660049172e8b613be029cb4cc.jpeg?d=240x135) ![Flag FR](https://img.ecotree.green/graphism/flags/fr.svg) Only 8 left! [Scots Pine](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7601) €19 Age: 0 to 2 years old Priziac forest Morbihan, Brittany, France Boosting biodiversity Symbol of freedom [See more details](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7601) Quantity Add to cart Please note that this is promotional communication. See our [notice of information](https://ecotree.green/en/notice-of-information). [ See our trees ](https://ecotree.green/en/treeshop) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Iain has started a [subscription of 1 tree in Denmark](/en/grow-your-own-danish-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Steven has started a [subscription of 1 tree in France](/en/grow-your-own-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Cara has started a [subscription of 1 tree in France](/en/grow-your-own-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Kirsten True has started a [subscription of 1 tree in Denmark](/en/grow-your-own-danish-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Florian has started a [subscription of 1 tree in France](/en/grow-your-own-forests) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/a8aaa055381b5cb648d4614f7cc6a7928c32604e.png?d=70x70)Jochen purchased [1 Sessile Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/4096) from The Old Gravel Forest in Nysum (Nordjylland, DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/df92dd11cbfeae6aee48aa9a20bf35cee9118475.png?d=70x70)Jacob Zentio purchased [1 Sessile Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/8101) from The Old Gravel Forest in Nysum (Nordjylland, DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/pack/0001/06/3ba24296b4cbc7917ed762f9d9ea42b3d2a67c89.jpg?d=70x70)Margareta (Estrids gåva) purchased [1 Perfect Forest Gift bundle](https://ecotree.green/en/article/8376) from Priziac forest (Morbihan, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/03/738ec0d3eb00819acddd92919cb2bb44c1f43553.jpeg?d=70x70)Annick purchased [1 Chestnut](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7599) from Priziac forest (Morbihan, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/03/ce5cad33d398c64660049172e8b613be029cb4cc.jpeg?d=70x70)RALPH purchased [1 Scots Pine](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7601) from Priziac forest (Morbihan, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/06/96105ed8287751db1269defde9fbf8e13ce62c7e.jpg?d=70x70)RALPH purchased [1 Sitka Spruce](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7594) from Priziac forest (Morbihan, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/hero/0001/05/3999b46899e4791fd1ff5dccab53f800a2c7edc5.jpg?d=70x70)Kida helped preserve 5.02 m² of the [m2 of restored natural ecosystem in Nouic Forest, France ](https://ecotree.green/en/article/6243) project in Nouïc Forest (Haute-Vienne, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/04/b8ec8531717785d6083deea60ccaa53b48002bc4.jpeg?d=70x70)RALPH purchased [1 Downy Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/8293) from Guiscriff 4 Forest (Morbihan, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/04/b8ec8531717785d6083deea60ccaa53b48002bc4.jpeg?d=70x70)English purchased [1 Downy Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/8293) from Guiscriff 4 Forest (Morbihan, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/04/b8ec8531717785d6083deea60ccaa53b48002bc4.jpeg?d=70x70)Ambre gave away [1 Downy Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/8293) from Guiscriff 4 Forest (Morbihan, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/hero/0001/06/ddc91d3520fa3c681dadf6066aa6583f7ffd98a5.jpg?d=70x70)Nadine helped preserve 15.99 m² of the [m2 of restored natural ecosystem in Langoelan Forest, France ](https://ecotree.green/en/article/6251) project in Langoëlan Forest (Morbihan, FR) ### Added. 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