Ash, European ash, Common Ash

Fraxinus excelsior

Physical Characteristics

Fraxinus excelsior is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from September to January. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain south of latitude 64°, to N. Africa and W. Asia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Manna Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Tea Immature seed - usually pickled by steeping in salt and vinegar, and then used as a condiment for other foods[2, 8, 66, 183]. The leaves are sometimes used as an adulterant for tea[2, 177, 183]. A manna is obtained from the tree[183]. No further details are given. An edible oil similar to sunflower (Helianthus annuus) oil is obtained from the seed[7].

Medicinal Uses

Antiperiodic Astringent Carminative Cathartic Diaphoretic Diuretic Laxative Purgative Tonic The leaves are astringent, cathartic, diaphoretic, mildly diuretic, laxative and purgative[4, 7, 9, 13, 21, 165, 254]. The have been used as a laxative, making a mild substitute for senna pods[254]. The leaves should be gathered in June, well dried and stored in airtight containers[4]. The bark is antiperiodic, astringent and a bitter tonic[4, 240]. Little used in modern herbalism, it is occasionally taken in the treatment of fevers[254]. The seeds, including their wings, have been used as a carminative[4]. They will store for 12 months if gathered when ripe[4].

Known Hazards

Poisonous to ruminants[76], it has also caused dermatitis in some people[76].