Fraxinus excelsior European ash Ht 30-40m

Large tree / Deciduous / Tolerates wet sites / Tolerates exposed sites / Attractive berries fruits or cone / Timber / Firewood / Erosion control / Tolerates limestone soils / Cold hardy (H4) (-10 to -5C)

Britain, Europe, Caucasus & Alborz Mts. (Iran). Broadly columnar, deciduous tree with stout greenish-grey shoots with jet black buds. Leaves with 7-13 coarsely serrate leaflets, late into leaf & early to fall. Flowers before the leaves, developing into bunches of 'keys'. Vigorous grower, best on deep moist to wet soils but tolerates much drier soils, enjoys limestone. Valuable light coloured hardwood timber for tool handles, sports goods, and joinery. Steams and bends well. Coppices readily, producing straight poles and rods. Great firewood, burns cut green.