European ash

The European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is a kind of ash tree. It is found throughout Europe and not just Scandinavia. It is a deciduous tree that grows to a height of 20–35 metres.

European ash
European Ash shoot and leaf; note black bud
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
Division:
Magnoliophyta
Class:
Magnoliopsida
Order:
Lamiales
Family:
Oleaceae
Genus:
Fraxinus
Binomial name
Fraxinus excelsior

Uses

Ash wood is very easy to bend. It is therefore the material of choice to make bows. Tennis rackets, and the long poles used for snooker are sometimes made from it.

Religion

In Norse mythology, the tree Yggdrasil was a European ash. The tree linked all the nine world, Niflheim and Asgard, amongst others. Below the tree resides Hel as well as the Well of Urd.

  • Fraxinus excelsior - Museum specimen
    Fraxinus excelsior - Museum specimen
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