What does ash look like and where does it grow? Ash tree: description, photo. Common ash tree

Description
Popular types
Ordinary
American
Fluffy
Manchurian
Black Ash
Planting and care

Ash is the most widespread and numerous genus of trees in the olive family in the Northern Hemisphere. There are more than 50 species in total, most of them are deciduous trees, but there are also shrubs.

Ash received its eloquent name in Russia due to characteristic shape openwork leaves letting in the sun's color.

Description

The “favorite” soils of this type of tree are neutral or slightly alkaline, fertile, with abundant moisture: chernozems, gray loams. They grow in small groups, singly, in proximity to other deciduous trees in forests, parks, river floodplains, ravines, and hollows, preferring well-lit areas.

The root system of ash trees does not have a central core, but is powerful and grows widely to the sides. The trunks are usually smooth, covered with light silver or greenish-gray bark, stretching up to 20–30 m, but there are specimens up to 50 m or more in height. The absence of roughness and deep cracks in the bark is a kind of protection of trees from pests. The crown has a slightly elongated ovoid shape, which is formed by long arched shoots directed upward. The leaves are dark green, unequally pinnate, consisting of several lanceolate, opposite leaflets located on thin grooved stalks. One cutting produces 9–15 small leaves.

Flowers appear in the spring; both male and female, as well as bisexual inflorescences are located on the tree in the form of thin fluffy panicles of brown, purple or yellowish color. They have no perianths. As a rule, female flowers do not have the opportunity to pollinate, since male flowers begin to bloom later, so self-pollination of trees is unlikely. Due to its lack of aroma, ash rarely attracts insects. Some types of ash in March and April produce sweet juice, released when cutting branches and bark. Under natural conditions, seed ripening is possible only when several trees grow nearby. The foliage rarely turns yellow; when it leaves in the fall, it remains green.

The fruits of ash trees are round, elliptical lionfish, about 4 cm in size, containing small nuts inside. They remain hanging on the branches until mid-winter. In many species, the nuts are edible, as they contain large number squirrel. In England, for example, a pickled spicy seasoning for meat is prepared from such fruits. In the Caucasus, nuts are included in many national dishes.

Ash trees are often straight-trunked and slender trees, with a girth not exceeding 1 m. The average lifespan is about 80–100 years, fruiting begins at 25–30 years. There are also long-livers among them - up to 250–300 years. Trees located solitary and well illuminated by the sun live longer; from lack of light in dense forests they die early.

Most varieties tolerate cold well, but young trees can suffer from severe frosts, especially during snowless periods.

Popular types

The distribution range of ash includes North America, Europe and Asia. In the temperate and southern latitudes of our country, common (tall) ash is more common, but other species can also grow: Manchurian, curved-fruited.

Ordinary

Fraxinus excelsior - common ash - grows in central and western Europe, temperate climatic zone Russia, the Caucasus, Iran. It is found in mixed and deciduous forests and is planted in parks, alleys, and squares. D Trees of this species rise up to 25–30 m in height; individual giants grow up to 40 m. The crown is spreading and openwork. The leaf of the common ash tree reaches 40 cm, consists of narrow, bright green leaves 6–9 cm long, located oppositely on the stalk. The bark of the tree is greenish-gray, and becomes covered with cracks with age. Flowers appear early - in April, even before the buds open.

American

It grows in the eastern part of the North American continent. This tree is distinguished by the shape of its composite leaves - wider and shorter than those of ordinary ash, with jagged edges. The inflorescences are long and fluffy, the fruits are about 3 cm in size. The crown of the American species is light green and wide. The growth of trunks is up to 40 m or more. The bark is silvery or whitish, smooth.

Fluffy

This species is also called Pennsylvanian. It is a frost-resistant and moisture-loving species, grows up to 20 m, is very demanding on lighting, and quickly dies in the shade of other trees. Young shoots are covered with velvety down, the foliage is matte, dark green, slightly lighter on the back side and also slightly pubescent. The bark is brown-brown, the spring inflorescences are yellow-green and almost round. Pennsylvania ash is a long-lived favorable conditions grows up to 300–350 years.

Manchurian

The homeland of this species is the Far East: its Russian part, as well as China, Japan and Korea. Manchurian, or Chinese, ash is distinguished by its large size - its trunks rise to 35–40 m, in diameter - up to 2 m. The leaves are very large - individual leaves up to 12 cm long and 7 cm wide form a brush up to 50 cm on the handle. Chinese bark Ash is very thick and ribbed, gray-green in color.

Black Ash

One of the few species that does not flower. Its homeland is the east coast of the United States, swampy areas and floodplains. The tree received its name for the unusual color of the wood - it really has a dark, almost black color. This ash tree loves moisture and is sensitive to its lack.

Planting and care

IN natural environment plantations with a predominance of ash trees are important for strengthening slopes and ravines. Their powerful branched root system keeps the soil layers from crumbling and helps protect them from drying out by concentrating moisture. In addition, the decorative qualities and ash wood are valuable.

Resistance to pests, air pollution, ease of maintenance, and beautiful appearance make various types of ash a real boon for landscaping parks and gardens. For landscape design, ordinary, American or furry species, not forming a dense shadow. There are also special decorative varieties bred specifically for urban conditions.

You can also plant ash trees on your own plot. Germinating seeds for this is not the best method; you will have to wait a very long time for the results. You can get beautiful trees faster by planting ready-made seedlings. The main requirements for growth conditions: well-lit sunny places, non-acidified soil.

For planting, prepare holes three times the volume of the root balls of the seedlings. Place drainage made of stone and sand inside, filling the recesses about ¼ of it, to moisten the soil. If there are several seedlings, the distance between the holes should be at least 5 m. After planting, an earthen ball about 15 cm high is compacted near the trunk. To ensure direct growth, it is useful to strengthen the trees with pegs. Around the trunk it is necessary to pour mulch to insulate the roots: wood chips, sawdust, pine needles. Young ash trees especially need insulation before winter in the first 3–4 years of life, since severe frosts can destroy them. Subsequently, mulching is stopped.

If the soil is fertile, ash trees grow quickly - they stretch up to 40 cm per year. The crown also forms rapidly, expanding in breadth. To give it a well-groomed appearance by pruning, you need early spring, before the onset of active growing season, before flowering begins.

In spring and autumn, trees need to be fed:

in April it can be a mixture of manure, urea, ammonium or calcium nitrate, diluted in water;
in October, the trees are watered with Kemira Universal fertilizer in a ratio of 20 g per 20 liters of water.

Seedlings only need special watering in dry weather. Ash tree roots are capable of extracting water from great depths. Overmoistening can adversely affect their condition, causing rotting of the shoots. If such signs are noticed, diseased branches should be trimmed, the cuts should be treated with crushed activated carbon and the water regime should be reconsidered.

Pests rarely appear on the bark and shoots of ash trees. If damaged by bark beetles or ash wood, the trees are treated with special insecticides.

Characteristics and application of wood

Ash wood is highly durable and has a beautiful contrasting texture. The sapwood bends well. Growth rings, wavy curling, different densities of early and late layers and differences in color within one log provide the material with an original beautiful pattern. The surface of the cuts is matte, ash does not have a pronounced shine.

The density of wood is about 680 kg/m³; ash is superior to oak in terms of strength. Wood is difficult to split or work with hand tools due to its hardness and uneven anatomical structure. However, this material perfectly holds different types of fasteners: nails, staples and screws.

Biostability is much superior to other types of wood. With age, resistance to fungal and other pathogens increases.

Disadvantages include severe drying during processing and possible swelling during operation. For this reason, lumber requires careful protective treatment. In addition, the high density of ash prevents uniform staining of the fibers with tinting agents. But properly dried and prepared material is durable - it lasts for many years without deformation.

Ash wood Russian origin sometimes it can suffer from internal rot due to the formation of frost cracks in old trunks.

In ancient times, tools, clubs, spears, bows, arrows and stakes, used in hunting and battles, were made from durable ash wood. The boards were used in shipbuilding, the production of sleighs and carriages, utensils were turned from the wood, rocker arms and wheel rims were bent, and clamps and ax handles were made.

In modern industry, ash is used to cut veneer, parquet, produce bent and carved furniture, sports equipment, elements of loom mechanisms, and gun stocks.

The beautiful variegated pattern and matte silky surface of the solid ash tree trunks and roots are of artistic value. The material is used for turning various figures and sculptures.

Bark and foliage are also used for technical purposes. Dyes, tanning solutions, and natural medicines are made from them. IN rural areas Where ash is common, the foliage is given to livestock feed.

In the beliefs of many peoples, ash is a tree of rebirth and renewal, helping to unite the past and the future. In German-Scandinavian mythology, the world tree is a gigantic ash tree, whose name is Yggdrasil. The Scandinavians imagined the universe in the form of this particular tree. Many legends and myths of the peoples of the world tell that the appearance of the first people is associated with an ash tree, some of them say that people were carved from ash wood, some that the first people appeared on an ash tree...

General information

The genus ash belongs to the olive family and has about 60 species. These are deciduous trees or multi-stemmed shrubs, the height of which varies from 5 to 45 m, with a straight trunk, highly cleared of branches. Small trees or shrubs predominate. The bark of young trees is greenish, ashy or light brown, and with age it darkens and becomes covered with cracks. The crown is elongated-ovate, widely rounded, with thick, relatively sparse young branches, the ends of which grow almost vertically upward. The shoots are bare or pubescent, with white lentils, the buds are dark, often speckled. The leaves are large, odd-pinnate, very rarely entire, without stipules, with 3-17 leaflets; the leaves are thin or leathery, dark green, green or yellowish-green above, lighter below. Flowers in terminal or lateral paniculate inflorescences. The fruits hang on the tree almost all winter and are often destroyed in significant quantities by birds. Seed germination is 60-80%, lasts two to three years. Photophilous, but at a young age tolerates shading; often suffers from late spring frosts; grows well on the rich, in sufficient measure wet soils; can tolerate significant dry soil and air. It tolerates strong soil compaction, replanting, and air pollution with dust and smoke. Grows quickly. It begins to bear fruit at the age of 15-20, in forest plantations - much later. Fruits abundantly and almost annually. It develops a fairly powerful root system, with numerous roots growing down and to the sides.

The modern range of the ash genus is limited mainly Northern Hemisphere. Certain species of ash enter tropical forests. As evidenced by paleontological excavations, in the pre-glacial era during the wet and warm climate ash was widespread throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Representatives of the ash genus have very high ecological plasticity. There are 10 species of ash in Europe, one species in Africa, and 16 species in North and Central America. About 50 species of the ash genus grow in Asia. Some types of ash trees are widespread species, while others have a small range. The most extensive range and greatest economic importance are found in the common ash tree. Manchurian ash is widespread in Asia and used in various industries.

Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior)- a tree of the first size, reaching a height of 40 m and 1.7 m in diameter, with an elongated ovoid and then highly raised, widely rounded, with thick, relatively sparse, arched branches and thick shoots growing almost vertically upward with an openwork crown . The lifespan of this tree is 150-350 years. The trunk is full-woody, the bark of young trees is greenish-gray, smooth, becoming gray or dark gray with age. a large number frequent cracks. The shoots are light gray or greenish, glabrous, with infrequent whitish lenticels. The buds are coal-black in color, with small specks. The leaves are imparipinnately compound, appear after flowering, usually consist of 7-9 leaflets, less often - of 5-15. The inflorescence is a panicle. It blooms in May, the fruits ripen in late August - September, a small part of the lionfish falls off in winter, most hang on the tree until spring. Although common ash is a widespread species, pure stands of it are rare and only in small areas. After felling, it forms a very fast-growing stump shoot. The tree retains its growth capacity for at least 70 years. Common ash is a heat-loving species, harsh winters partial freezing of shoots and apical buds is observed; in young plantings, leaves are often damaged by spring frosts. With age, ash becomes more resistant to low temperatures. Common ash is considered one of the most light-loving species; it can be considered that young trees are more shade-tolerant than mature trees. The root system is powerful, with numerous roots; the taproot is not developed. Ash is demanding on soil fertility and moisture, grows well on gray forest loams and on sufficiently moist humus soils in floodplains; reacts negatively to the presence of soda, sodium chloride salts, magnesium, calcium in the soil, does not tolerate increased acidity soil It tolerates strong soil compaction, replanting, and air pollution with dust and smoke.

Common ash reaches maturity at 100-120 years, the average trunk diameter at this age ranges from 31 to 54 cm. Ash is a ring-vascular tree species, wood with a brown heartwood and wide white, slightly yellowish sapwood. The transition from the core to the sapwood is gradual and unevenly wavy. Early wood contains several rows of large vessels. The boundary of the annual layers is clearly visible. Late ash wood is denser and darker than early ash wood. The medullary rays are narrow and numerous. The wood core is brown, the sapwood is wide, with a beautiful pattern. The wood is strong, hard, viscous, elastic. The results of studies of the physical and mechanical properties of common ash wood, formed in different environmental conditions, indicate greater strength of wood in fresh growing conditions compared to wet ones.

Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica)- a species in many ways similar to common ash. Manchurian ash - a tree of the first size, reaches a height of 25 m, and a diameter of 1.5 m. The trunk is straight, columnar, the crown is raised high, wide-rounded, openwork. This is one of the most common tree species in the south of the Far East. The bark is covered with thin cracks even in young trees, changing color with age from ash-gray to dark gray. Shoots and young branches are dark yellow or brown, with whitish lentils, buds black or black-brown, glabrous. It grows quickly, after felling it is well renewed by shoots from the stump; it retains this ability for up to 120-130 years. Lives up to 400 years. It blooms in early May before the leaves bloom, the fruits ripen in late September - October, and fall during the winter. Manchurian ash is one of the main forming species of broad-leaved and coniferous-deciduous forests of the East Asian coniferous-deciduous forest region. This type of ash is quite frost-hardy, winter-hardy, but young shoots and leaves suffer from late spring frosts, it is light-loving, but the undergrowth can tolerate some shading. Demanding on soil moisture and fertility. The best conditions for the growth of Manchurian ash are well-drained soils in river valleys, especially along the edges, on alluvial fresh, deep and fertile soils. The root system is deep and powerful, which provides the tree with wind resistance. The wood is darker than that of common ash and resembles walnut in color. The core is pronounced, dark brown, occupies about 90% of the diameter, the sapwood is narrow, light, ocher-brown. The wood is hard, heavy, viscous, flexible, elastic, dense, the boundaries of the growth rings are clearly visible. The physical and mechanical properties of Manchurian ash wood are very variable and strongly depend on the number of annual layers. The wood of Manchurian ash is more resistant to rotting than that of common ash. Distributed in the Primorsky Territory of the Russian Federation, Korea, China, Japan, and Sakhalin. Introduced into culture in Russia in 1882.

Sumacula ash (FraxinusWithoriariaefolia) - a species close to common ash, from which it differs in dense leaf pubescence and mild serration. Sumacholaf ash trees reach a height of 25 m. The shoots are light gray in color, with velvety pubescence, the buds are black and pubescent. It blooms in April, the fruits ripen in August. Distributed in the Caucasus, rarely found in the forests of the lower and middle mountain zones.

Acute ash (Fraxinusoxycarpa) is a very variable species, close to the common ash, and difficult to distinguish from it. Distributed in Crimea, the Mediterranean, the Caucasus, the Balkan Peninsula, Asia Minor and Iran. Introduced in 1815. This is a first-size tree with a broadly ovoid crown, reaching a height of 20-30 m and 1.3 m in diameter, and lives up to 350 years. The branches are greenish-gray or light yellowish, the buds are brownish-brown. It differs from common ash in its smaller and narrower leaves. Grows from early May to early October. It blooms in April - May, the fruits ripen in August - September. The growth rate is average. Winter hardiness is low, light-loving. As a densely branched tree with beautiful openwork foliage, it has high decorative qualities.

Narrow-leaved ash (Fraxinusangustifolia) - an ornamental, compact light-loving plant, the tree can reach a height of 20 m, sometimes grows as a bush. Distributed in Crimea, Transcaucasia, Mediterranean, Iran. Introduced into cultivation in 1800. Young shoots are green, shiny, black buds. Xeromesophyte, low winter hardiness. The species is close to acute ash, from which it differs in larger lionfish and racemose inflorescences. It blooms in May, the fruits ripen in August.

Yasen Poyarkova (Fraxinuspojarkoviana) - a species close to angustifolia ash, from which it differs in longer wings, notched at the top. Distributed in the areas of the upper Dnieper, on the Balkan Peninsula. It is used in cultivation in plantings in the Transcarpathian region.

Pallis Ash (Fraxinuspallisae) - a species very close to acute ash, from which it differs in densely woolly shoots and pubescent leaves. The tree reaches a height of 30 m. The shoots are brown, young branches ash color, buds are brown or dark brown.

Syrian ash (Fraxinussyriaca) - an ornamental tree reaching a height of 10-15 m, with an elongated ovoid or spherical crown and raised branches. The shoots are grayish-brown, thick, with whitish lentils, the buds are brown or black-brown, briefly pubescent. Homeland - Central Asia, Middle East. Light-loving mesophyte, low winter hardiness, very drought-resistant, tolerates soil salinity. It blooms in March - April, the fruits ripen in June. Introduced into cultivation in 1880.

Sogdian ash (Fraxinussogdiana) - a tree 10-15 m high or a shrub with an elongated ovoid or spherical crown, the branches are raised upward, the trunk is often curved. The shoots are brownish, brownish-gray, thick with white lentils. The buds are brown or blackish-brown, briefly pubescent. Light-loving hygromesophyte, average winter hardiness. Homeland - Kazakhstan, Central Asia. In river floodplains it grows singly or in groups deciduous forests. It blooms in June, the fruits ripen in August - September. Widely used for landscaping in Moscow, grows quickly. Introduced into Russia in 1890.

White ash (Fraxinus ornus)- a tree 8-15 m high, with a trunk diameter of 20-30 cm, with a regular rounded, dense, low-set crown. The trunk is rounded and tapered. The shoots are grayish-green, the buds are black or black-brown, with light felt pubescence. Range: European part of Russia, Western Europe, Middle East. Light-loving xeromesophyte, but can also grow in the shade, heat-loving, drought-resistant, not frost-hardy, low winter hardiness. The trunk is short, tapered, covered with grayish smooth bark with a low-set rounded and tent-shaped crown. It grows from late April - early May to early October. The leaves are light green. It blooms after the leaves bloom in late April - early May, the fruits ripen in July - August. Differs from other species in white, fragrant flowers. Very decorative during the flowering period. It grows quite slowly. Wood with a reddish tint, high quality, beautiful. White ash has a number of decorative forms. The tree is recommended for single and group plantings, since in its own way appearance and spectacular flowering is a valuable decorative species that can be successfully used in green construction.

Curved ash (Fraxinusraibocarpa) - a shrub, less often - a small tree 5-8 m high. It blooms in May - June at the same time as the leaves bloom or a little later, the fruits ripen in June - August. Distributed throughout the valleys mountain rivers at an altitude of 1200-2000 m above sea level.

Nose-leaved ash (Fraxinus rhynchophilla)- a tree reaching 10-15 m in height and 30-40 cm in diameter. The bark is brownish-brown, with light, irregular shape spots and frequent shallow cracks, the crown is sparse, openwork. Young shoots are grayish-brown, with light lenticels; the buds are covered with red or whitish pubescence. The leaves appear during flowering in late May - June, the fruits ripen in September - October. This species most often grows in mixed forests foothills on fresh rich soils, as well as on rocky slopes; Rarely found in river valleys. It is a breed that is one of the first to populate fires; Damaged and burnt specimens of common ash produce shoots from the root neck. This type of ash grows quickly, especially coppice specimens, tolerates replanting well, does not tolerate severe cold, and is heat-loving. It is photophilous, but can grow in partial shade, for example, under the sparse canopy of other species; self-seeding appears in open places. The crown of the common ash tree is spreading and openwork, very beautiful, which makes this species indispensable for landscaping. In culture since 1892. Distributed in the south of the Primorsky Territory, in the south of Sakhalin, northeast China, and Japan. Due to its limited distribution, this breed does not have any special industrial significance. The wood in its technical properties is close to Manchurian ash wood.

American Ash (Fraxinus americana)- a tree 20-35 m high and up to 1 m in diameter, with a broadly ovoid crown. The bark of young trees is smooth, light gray, and with age it darkens and becomes covered with cracks. The shoots are gray, with a bluish bloom, smooth or slightly pubescent, with white lenticels. The buds are reddish-brown, with a matte coating and speckles. Distributed in North America. Introduced in 1874. It grows quickly, is light-loving, more winter-hardy than other species, drought-resistant, and unpretentious to the soil.

Lanceolate or green ash (Fraxinus lanceolata)- a tree reaching a height of 2535 m, with a broadly ovoid crown. The shoots are light gray or brownish in color, smooth. The buds are reddish-brown in color, with dense pubescence. It blooms in May, the fruits ripen in August - September. Distributed in North America. Introduced in 1723. It is light-loving, very winter-hardy and drought-resistant, quite unpretentious to the richness and moisture of the soil, and grows quickly.

Pennsylvania ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)- a tree 15-25 m high, often with an irregular, spreading or one-sided crown. The shoots are brown-gray, with felt pubescence and white lentils, the buds are brown-brown. It blooms in April, the fruits ripen in August. Distributed in North America. Introduced in 1783. Less winter-hardy and drought-resistant than American ash; grows more slowly and is less durable than common ash; when the soil is compacted or very dry, especially in populated areas, the tree may have a dry top.

Characteristics of wood

Ash is a soundwood species. The sapwood of ash wood is white with a slightly yellowish, reddish or pinkish tint, the heartwood is light brown. Usually the heartwood and sapwood differ from each other in color, but the opposite can also happen. With age, heartwood acquires a dark brown, to chocolate, hue. It is believed that the best for ash heartwood is a color and grain pattern similar to the color and pattern of olive heartwood (the cross-section of the wood should have wavy areas of light olive and olive brown). Ash is a ring-vascular species, as can be seen in the cross section: in the late wood, accumulations of small vessels and parenchyma form randomly located white dots or dashes at the boundary of the annual layer. The annual layers are clearly visible, but the medullary rays are narrow and inconspicuous. The wood is porous along the growth rings; the fibers of early wood are noticeably larger than the fibers of late wood. Ash wood belongs to the heavy and hard varieties, has high strength characteristics, high hardness, elasticity, strength, high impact strength, bends well, and does not flake. Planed surfaces have a matte shine. Ash wood is easy to process and polish, and almost does not deform when dried.

Table 3. Average indicators of basic physical and mechanical
properties of ash wood (numerator - at a humidity of 12%,
denominator - at 30% or more)

Table 4. Indicators of mechanical properties of ash wood,
referred to 1 kg/m 3

Ash wood is elastic and durable, so since ancient times it has been widely used for making spears, war clubs, spears, arrows and other weapons, which were strong, durable and elastic. Carved utensils made from the wood of this tree were very popular; boards from well-dried ash wood were used in shipbuilding, as well as for making carriages, sleighs, furniture, oars and skis. Times change, but the wood of this tree is still in demand in various fields our life.

In terms of its physical and mechanical characteristics, it is close to oak wood, therefore their areas of application are similar. The hardness, elasticity, and strength of ash wood allow it to be widely used in the production of sports equipment (tennis rackets, bats, cues, skis, hockey sticks, etc.) and other items. Wood has a beautiful texture, so it is used as a facing and finishing material, for example, for the production of parquet boards. Ash wood can be processed both manually and with the help of various tools; when steamed, it bends just as well as beech wood. Ash wood is resistant to weak acids, but is not sufficiently resistant to environmental influences and is damaged upon contact with the ground. Since ash is difficult to impregnate, it is rarely used for products that are used outdoors. With certain processing, ash wood becomes similar to mahogany and, as an alternative, can be used in decorative and finishing works. Ash burls with an amazingly beautiful wood texture are used to make various decorative crafts. Ash plywood is in demand for finishing work of various types, for example, when finishing furniture and musical instruments, car and car interiors.

Common ash leaves contain tannins, tannins, essential oils, ascorbic acid etc. Ash bark contains tannins, vitamin C, malic acid, etc. All this makes ash a source of valuable medicinal raw materials; anti-inflammatory and hemostatic drugs are made from ash leaves and bark for both internal and external use. Ash bark is used to produce dyes and tannins. Young ash fruits, collected in the summer when they are still soft, can be pickled and used as a seasoning. Leaves, shoots and young branches, fresh and dry, are readily eaten by livestock.

Ash is widely used in silviculture, especially in protective and reclamation afforestation, as well as in landscaping populated areas. It is moderately resistant to air pollution and smoke, and does not tolerate soil compaction. The beautiful, openwork and airy crown makes this breed indispensable in landscaping when creating landscape gardening ensembles. Ash grows quickly, its regular and even trunk is quickly cleared of branches. Both single plantings and groups, as well as entire alleys, can be created from ash.

Elena KARPOVA, Anton KUZNETSOV,
Ph.D. biologist. sciences,
Assoc. prof. department general ecology, plant physiology and wood science St. Petersburg State Forestry University

Tall and slender tree - ash

Ash (Fraxinus) belongs to the Olive family and with Latin language translated as "ashes". The plant has a fibrous root system, the crown is oblong and spreading. In most varieties, the flowers are collected in snow-white inflorescences; in some species they can be purple or burgundy.

IMPORTANT!

For good pollination it is necessary to plant several plants.

Ash flowers have no scent

The bark of the tree is smooth and light gray in color. Mature plant can reach up to 30 m, but there are species - giants, up to 60 m in height and 40 m in width. The crown is formed from flexible branches directed upward. The fruits of the tree are long, oblong in shape, on average 5 cm. They ripen in mid-autumn and last until the end of winter.

Lionfish are rounded at the bottom and have a small notch at the top.

All types of ash tolerate severe frosts well, love a lot of light and grow well in neutral-acidic, fertile soil. The tree lives up to 350 years, the first fruiting occurs at the age of 20 years.

Ash: where it grows

The tree is widespread in our country, found in Africa, North America and Far East. Here you can see it in a mixed forest, next to oak, alder and maple. And also along river banks, next to lakes and artificial reservoirs.

Ash can be found both in parks and squares, and mixed forests

Distinctive Features

Ash is used in almost all areas. It is used for the manufacture of:

medicines;
sports equipment;
gun butt;
paints;
furniture;
hives.

The wood of the tree is strong and silky, with a purple or pink tint. It has high viscosity and does not flake. The tree has one drawback - it is that the wood is quickly subject to wormhole, so everything made from ash must be treated with an antiseptic.

Many artists use the roots of the plant, which are very similar to the wood of the olive tree, to make various products and decorations. Ash fruits are also used in cooking; they are used to prepare salads and spices. Unripe fruits are pickled and added to meat dishes.

Medicinal properties of ash and traditional medicine

All parts of the plant are used for treatment: bark, leaves, fruits and roots, as they have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic and laxative effects. The plant has also found application in folk medicine for the treatment of radiculitis, cough and rapid healing of wounds.

Several proven recipes from ash:

To prevent the wound from becoming inflamed and heal quickly, you need to chop the leaves and bark, apply it to the wound and change the bandage 2-3 times a day.
For radiculitis, a decoction is made: 25 g of dry leaves are poured with 250 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for about half an hour. The prepared decoction is drunk three times a day, 50 ml.
For bronchitis, a tincture is made: 35 g of dry leaves are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water. Let it brew, strain and drink 100 ml three times a day.
To increase immunity, drink 100 ml of tincture from the root for 14 days.

A tree that is valued not only for its beauty

Types of ash

Ash is the most numerous and popular species of the Olive family. There are more than 50 species, mostly deciduous trees, but there are varieties in the form of shrubs.

Pennsylvanian

Pennsylvania ash, or downy ash, grows up to 25 m in height. Young branches are felty and covered with dark brown bark. The leaf blade is imparipinnate, consists of 9 leaves of a dark olive color, which by autumn do not change their color and turn green. The inflorescences are pale green, without aroma.

The species is fast growing, gaining about 50 cm in height and 30 cm in width per year. Lives up to 350 years. Ash grows on fertile soil and sunny place. Although the variety is frost-resistant, northern regions It is not recommended to grow it.

The plant prefers moisture and therefore needs regular watering.

Ordinary

Common or tall ash (Fraxinus excelsior) reaches considerable sizes. There are quite massive samples - 40 m. The bark is colored gray-green, which with age becomes ashen in color and becomes covered with cracks.

From the buds, odd-pinnate leaves of light green color are formed. Snow-white inflorescences appear in early spring before foliage. After flowering, fruits are formed - lionfish, reaching a length of up to 5 cm. The fruits have a light olive color, turn brown and begin to ripen in the fall. They can stay on the shoots all winter.

European countries and Transcaucasia are considered the homeland of high ash. Grows on fertile, slightly alkaline soil. In the southern regions of Russia, ash is grown as ornamental plant for decorating a personal plot.

Common ash has a high and openwork crown

Manchurian

As you can easily guess from the name, this species came to our country from Manchuria, China, Japan and Korea. Grows in forests, on nutritious soil, next to Japanese elm and Maksimovich poplar. The centenarian grows up to 350 years.

The tree is dioecious and when flowering is covered with flowers of different sexes. The variety has an erect trunk, from which the branches diverge obliquely. It reaches a height of up to 35 m, and a diameter of up to 15 m.

Manchurian ash has a specific shape and type of leaf

The bark is brown or ash-colored and has small cracks and longitudinal ribs up to 5 cm thick. Flowering begins in May and continues until September. In place of flowers, fruits appear - lionfish, which last until spring. At the ripening stage they are olive-colored.

Flat lionfish acquire a brown tint towards the end of ripening

Chinese

Chinese ash, or ailanthus, is a light-loving palm-shaped plant native to Northern China. It grows throughout Russia and is widely used for landscaping. settlements. The trunk is gray-brown in color with a furrowed structure of thin bark. The leaves are large, very similar to palm trees, reaching a length of up to 60 cm. Yellow-green flowers are collected in large panicle inflorescences. Flowering begins in mid-summer. After the flowers, small red-brown fruits are formed, which stand out against the background of olive foliage.

Ash flowers emit a not entirely pleasant aroma

This type of ash is fast-growing; by the age of five years the tree reaches 5 m. Chinese ash, or the tree of the Gods, loves a lot of light and warmth. At a young age, the plant is not frost-resistant, but the frozen crown is well restored due to the rapid growth of young shoots. Thanks to its powerful roots, the plant can grow in an open, windy area.

In medicine, due to the rich chemical composition, leaves, bark, flowers and fruits are used. Fresh bark treats dysentery, flowers and foliage treat scarlet fever and diphtheria, and the fruits are prescribed for illness genitourinary system. The leaves have antiviral and antimicrobial properties. The leaves are used to make decoctions that are taken to treat fever.

IMPORTANT!

The bark and leaves have irritating properties; when collecting raw materials, a pustular or blistering rash may appear.

Chinese ash is unpretentious to grow and grows well in moist loamy soil.

American

A slender, tall tree with an ovoid-shaped crown. The leaf is complex and quite large, reaching up to 30 cm in length, consisting of 5-9 leaf plates. American ash blooms in the first half of spring, before young leaves appear. Fruiting begins at the end of summer. The fruits are rich in fats, so birds love them very much, and people use them in cooking. It begins to bear fruit from 25 to 40 years of age. The species is unpretentious and grows on slightly acidic fertile soil. Does not tolerate dry weather well. In natural growing conditions it can be found next to oak, alder and maple. Widely used in folk medicine. The bark and leaves are used to treat radiculitis, the seeds treat cough, dropsy and liver diseases.

One of the most revered trees in the Caucasus

Black

Black ash, or brown, - compared to other representatives of this family, is relatively small in size - no more than 20 m in height. The species is widespread in North America, grows in marshy lands and along river banks, therefore, it is not afraid of stagnant water in the soil.

The plant is frost-resistant and does not produce inflorescences. By the age of five, the tree grows up to 2 m. The leaf is complex, consists of 5-10 leaf blades of bright olive color.

Ash is valued for its beauty, therefore it is widely used in landscape decoration

Ash tree – photo and description

Ash is a deciduous tree with a light, clear crown. A mature tree reaches up to 40 m in height and 1.5 m in diameter. It is easily recognized by its slender trunk, covered with dark gray bark with small cracks. Ash wood is used to make furniture fronts. Thanks to its transparent crown, the tree is used for landscaping garden plots and city parks and squares. The tree's root system is located close to the surface.

Ash is unpretentious and can grow in any soil, but most of all it prefers fertile soil with medium acidity. Most species lack a taproot. If ash grows in arid regions, the tree grows a tap root and forms horizontal shoots. There are species that can independently water themselves, obtaining water from a depth of 3 m.

Deciduous tree with a slender beautiful trunk

Ash seeds - photo and description

Ash seeds are lionfish that appear in early fall. They reach a length of up to 5 cm and have a dark olive color, gradually turning into brown. The seeds are used to make oil, which is later used to make soap and paint. The seeds are also widely used in folk medicine.

IMPORTANT!

Ash is a poisonous plant, and its use as a medicine must be strictly under the supervision of a doctor.

Ash seeds can germinate in unexpected places, so the tree can become an uninvited guest in your garden.

Seed collection for the winter is carried out at the end of autumn

Ash leaves - photo and description

The leaves of the tree are opposite and begin to bloom after the ash tree blooms. The leaf blades alternate crosswise. One cutting grows up to 15 small dark green leaves.

The leaves rarely turn yellow, and the tree sheds them green

Fruits - photo and description

The fruits are ovoid in shape, about 5 cm in size. Inside the lionfish there is an oval-shaped nut. The fruits may remain on the tree until mid-winter or early spring. In many species they are edible and contain large amounts of fat and protein. Green fruits are pickled for the winter and used as a seasoning for meat; in some countries they are added to national dishes.

Ash fruits remain on the tree all winter

How many years does an ash tree live?

The average lifespan of a tree is about 100 years. There are long-lived species, their age can reach 350 years. Single specimens that grow in fertile soil and a sunny place “live” the longest. Ash trees growing in dense forests quickly die due to lack of light.

Ash is best grown in a sunny location.

When the ash tree blooms

Flowering occurs in early spring. Both female and male flowers bloom on the tree, which have paniculate inflorescences in the form of thin fluff of snow-white, yellowish or purple. Female flowers are pollinated from neighboring trees, since male flowers appear much later. Due to its lack of aroma, the tree rarely attracts insects.

Flowers lack perianth

It is better to plant ash seedlings in an open area and in fertile, slightly acidic soil. For planting, dig a hole that should be twice the size of the root system. Inside we place drainage, sand and ¼ moistened soil. We install the seedling and carefully cover it with soil, making sure that no air cushion is formed.

After planting, the soil is compacted and mulched. If several seedlings are planted, it is necessary to maintain a distance of at least 5 m from each other. In order for the tree to grow slender, young seedlings are tied to pegs on both sides.

In the first five years of life, the tree must be insulated for the winter.

Care and disease control

If the place for planting an ash tree is chosen correctly, the tree can grow up to 40 cm in height in the first year. In spring and autumn, ash needs feeding. Both organic and mineral fertilizers are suitable for this.

The tree will only need watering in hot summers. The pest very rarely settles on ash trees. If a bark beetle or ash bark beetle is detected, it is treated with insecticides.

With good care, ash will be an excellent addition to landscape design.

Applications of ash for various purposes

Ash is a tree that can be used both in industry and for making medicine:

From the bark and leaves they make blue, black and brown paint. Fresh leaves are used to feed livestock.
Buds, bark, roots, leaves and flowers are used to prepare infusions, decoctions and liqueurs.
Unripe fruits are pickled. After pickling, young fruits acquire the taste of pickled walnuts. In the Caucasus, they are added to meat dishes as a hot spice. In European countries they are used in the preparation of vinegar. They complement meat and vegetables well due to their spicy taste and aroma.
Since wood has high physical and mechanical properties, it is used to make furniture, veneer, beehives, sports equipment and propellers for light aircraft.
Sculptors make unforgettable figures from ash stumps, and artists paint fantastic pictures on the bark.
In landscape decor. Ash is used for alley and single planting, as well as near a pond.

Ash - the tree from which God created man

Ash in the common people has several names: holly, ash, ash. In nature, it often grows next to oak trees. By watching the trees, you could find out what kind of summer it would be like. If the oak tree shows its leaves first, it means it will be hot and dry.
The Greeks used the plant's juice to treat snake bites.
In Rus', the bark of the tree was used as a remedy for malaria and fever.
In magic, ash personifies good and evil; it has powerful energy.
Many peoples worshiped the tree. It was called the “tree of knowledge” and was considered a symbol of life and wisdom.

We will be very pleased if the reader discovered new and interesting facts about ash in this article. If something was unclear, you can ask questions in the comments below. Our editors will be happy to answer all readers.

You can find out what ash looks like from the video provided:

Common ash tree

Botanical name: Common ash or Tall ash (Fraxinus excelsior) – genus Ash, family Olive.

Homeland of common ash: Europe.

Lighting: photophilous.

Soil: fertile, moist.

Watering: moderate.

Maximum tree height: 40 m.

Average life expectancy: 300 years.

Landing: seeds, seedlings.

What does common ash look like: description and photo

A tall deciduous tree, reaching 40 m. The crown is wide, rounded, light, raised high, the branches are directed upward.

The trunk is low, regular cylindrical in shape. The bark is ash-gray, smooth, and in older trees it has deep, longitudinal and narrow, small cracks.

The buds are black and fleecy.

Ash leaves are odd-pinnate, opposite, consisting of 7-15 leaves, developing after flowering, serrated at the edges, pointed at the top, dark green, smooth, pale green below, hairy.

The flowers are collected in bunches and have neither a calyx nor a corolla. Each flower contains several red stamens, which distinguishes the tree from other species. Flowering begins in May, before the leaves appear.

The fruit is a lionfish 4-5 cm long, first green, then brown, narrow, slightly widened at the top, with a small notch, collected in several pieces into an inflorescence - a panicle. The seed is flat, wide, tapering downward. Ripen in August. They stay on the tree throughout the winter.

In the photo, the common ash tree is presented in all its glory. It is decorated by an elegant, openwork crown with large foliage and a slender pyramidal trunk.

Where does the ash tree grow in Russia?

Widely distributed in Europe, Transcaucasia, the Mediterranean and Asia Minor. There are quite a few places where ash grows in Russia; its range covers the European part of the country. It is located along the line St. Petersburg – the Right Bank of the Volga – the mouth of the Medveditsa River. Grows in Crimea, Moldova, Ukraine and the Caucasus. In the Caucasus it rises high into the mountains, reaching under favorable conditions large sizes. Settles on different soils, sometimes on swampy ones. Adjacent to alder. It very rarely forms pure stands. It is found in deciduous and mixed forests as an admixture. Grows in clearings and cutting areas.

Growing quickly. Photophilous. Prefers fertile, slightly acidic soils. Frost-resistant, withstands temperatures down to -40°C. However, in severe frosts, young shoots can freeze slightly, so they should be covered for the winter. Does not tolerate dry soil well. Easily adapts to urban conditions.

Reproduction

Under natural conditions, the plant reproduces by stump shoots and layering, and is well regenerated by seeds. In artificial plantings, ash is propagated by seeds that have undergone preliminary stratification. Decorative forms are propagated by grafting.

Application of ash

Thanks to rapid growth and unpretentiousness, common ash is considered valuable tree for landscaping cities, creating parks, alleys, lining roads. Looks good in complex compositions.

It has several decorative forms used in landscape design. The most interesting of them are monumental, with a pyramidal crown; low - with a slow growth rate and a compact rounded crown; weeping, reaching up to 8 m in height, with a dome-shaped crown and long branches hanging to the ground.

The wood of this tree is light, with a dark core, and a beautiful texture. It has high strength, toughness, resistance to cracking, flexibility, and beautiful texture. Reminiscent of oak wood, it has the same density and strength.

Previously, war clubs, stakes, spears, bows, spears and arrows were made from ash, which is why in ancient times this tree was considered a symbol of war. Products made from it were strong, moderately heavy and durable.

For peaceful purposes, ash was used to make sleighs, rocker arms, wheels, small crafts, and souvenirs. Dishes made from this wood were in great demand. It was not varnished, painted or patterned. The only decoration was the light, shiny wood grain. Ash boards have been used in shipbuilding for a long time.

IN modern world The scope of application of ash has expanded significantly. It is used to make parquet, cladding material, aircraft parts, gymnastic bars, sports equipment: skis, oars, tennis rackets, turning and other products. Wood is used in shipbuilding, aircraft construction, and carriage building. It is used to make stair railings and tool handles, furniture and plywood.

Ash fruits contain fatty oils and are eaten. In the Caucasus, unripe fruits are cooked with vinegar and salt. After collection, they are carefully crushed and then preserved. Served as a seasoning for meat or fish.

Dark green oil is obtained from ash seeds, which is used to produce paint, artificial rubber and soap.

The bark is rich in tannins; blue, black, and brown paint are obtained from it.

The medicinal properties of ash allow it to be used in medicine.

The healing properties of ash

Ash has antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, wound-healing, and diuretic properties. It has an analgesic and laxative effect on the human body. It is used in the form of decoctions, infusions, powders and medicinal teas. Compresses are made from a decoction of the leaves to treat radiculitis, rheumatism and osteochondrosis. A decoction of fresh, crushed leaves is used to treat wounds, hematomas, and severe bruises. Such compresses quickly relieve pain, eliminate swelling and speed up healing. For pyelonephritis, cystitis, urolithiasis, uterine bleeding and hemorrhoids, an infusion of crushed tree roots is made.

Preparations made from ash help get rid of worms and cure coughs. Thanks to the rich chemical composition This plant is used to treat many diseases. Active ingredients: essential oils, coumarins, tannins, bitters, resin, gum, flavonoids.

A decoction of ash roots is used to treat chronic respiratory diseases. For kidney diseases, radiculitis, dysentery and worms, use a decoction of the leaves. The infusion helps calm nervous system, relax, has a positive effect on sleep. A decoction of tree bark effectively treats colds.

Tea made from ash leaves has a diuretic effect and helps remove excess fluid from the body. Powder from the seeds is used as a diaphoretic and diuretic. Infusion from the kidneys is used for gout, bladder diseases and women's diseases. A mixture of different parts plants are used for arthritis.

Despite numerous beneficial properties, the common ash tree is a poisonous plant, so it should be used with caution and only under the supervision of a doctor. Contraindicated in hypertension. In case of an overdose, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and poisoning occur.

For medicinal purposes, young leaves, bark, fruits, seeds, and roots of the tree are collected.

The bark and leaves are harvested in early spring or early summer. Dry in the shade, at a temperature not exceeding -40°C. The roots are harvested in the spring. Fruits are in autumn.

Planting and care

Only strong plants are suitable for planting seedlings. Weak or damaged seedlings should not be planted, since there is little chance that they will take root. Before planting, choose the most suitable place. Ash is light-loving, so it is better to choose an area that is well lit by sunlight or semi-shaded. The tree can grow in any soil, but it develops better in fertile, fertilizer-rich, moist, slightly acidic soil. When planting, you should take into account that its powerful roots grow strongly and form root suckers; they must be immediately cut out at the very base.

Spring is the best time to plant. The distance between seedlings should be at least 5 m. When the plant is placed in a hole, the root is placed 20 cm above the soil level, since after planting the soil compacts and settles. Then the plant is watered abundantly with water. Regular watering is carried out over the next 4-6 days.

Wood is corrosive. When it appears, all trees are affected. The caterpillars penetrate the buds and petioles of leaves, and after a few days they develop into shoots.

Ash fruits are affected by the seed-eater weevil. The larva lives inside the seeds. Dark small dots appear on the infected seed. In May, beetles begin to eat the fruits.

Chemicals are used to control all insect pests.

If stored improperly, mold will form on the fruits, caused by certain types of fungi. To prevent it, fruits are stored in a dry room, with an optimal humidity of no more than 12%.

In winter, the seeds often serve as food for bullfinches and squirrels. Fallen fruits are eaten by rodents.

People call this tree “holly”, “ash tree”, “ash tree”. It is adjacent to elm, maple, but more often with oak. Watching the oak and ash trees in the spring, people noted: “If the oak leaves its leaves earlier, the summer will be dry.”

The ancient Greeks believed that the juice of the leaves of this plant healed wounds from bites. poisonous snakes. The sap of the branches was dropped into the eyes to improve vision and give them shine. A decoction of the fruit was used to enhance sexual desire. In Rus', the bark of the tree was used as an antimalarial and antifever agent.

Ash was worshiped by many peoples. It was called the “tree of knowledge” and was considered a symbol of wisdom and life. In Ukrainian folklore, he personifies suffering. In the mythology of the ancient Scandinavians, the forces of nature were represented in the form of a huge ash tree supporting the vault of heaven. In magic, he personifies good and evil. Has strong energy. Best time to communicate with the tree - the first half of the day.

In the 19th century, it was common to use the word “ash” in the feminine gender.

Botanical name: Common ash or Tall ash (Fraxinus excelsior) – genus Ash, family Olive.

Homeland of common ash: Europe.

Lighting: photophilous.

Soil: fertile, moist.

Watering: moderate.

Maximum tree height: 40 m.

Average life expectancy: 300 years.

Landing: seeds, seedlings.

What does common ash look like: description and photo

A tall deciduous tree, reaching 40 m. The crown is wide, rounded, light, raised high, the branches are directed upward.

The trunk is low, regular cylindrical in shape. The bark is ash-gray, smooth, and in older trees it has deep, longitudinal and narrow, small cracks.

The buds are black and fleecy.

Ash leaves are odd-pinnate, opposite, consisting of 7-15 leaves, developing after flowering, serrated at the edges, pointed at the top, dark green, smooth, pale green below, hairy.

In the photo, the common ash tree is presented in all its glory. It is decorated by an elegant, openwork crown with large foliage and a slender pyramidal trunk.

Where does the ash tree grow in Russia?

Widely distributed in Europe, Transcaucasia, the Mediterranean and Asia Minor. There are quite a few places where ash grows in Russia; its range covers the European part of the country. It is located along the line St. Petersburg – the Right Bank of the Volga – the mouth of the Medveditsa River. Grows in Crimea, Moldova, Ukraine and the Caucasus. In the Caucasus it rises high in the mountains, reaching large sizes under favorable conditions. Settles on different soils, sometimes on swampy ones. Adjacent to alder. It very rarely forms pure stands. It is found in deciduous and mixed forests as an admixture. Grows in clearings and cutting areas.

Reproduction

Application of ash

Thanks to its rapid growth and unpretentiousness, common ash is considered a valuable tree for landscaping cities, creating parks, alleys, and lining roads. Looks good in complex compositions.

In the modern world, the scope of application of ash has expanded significantly. It is used to make parquet, cladding material, aircraft parts, gymnastic bars, sports equipment: skis, oars, tennis rackets, turning and other products. Wood is used in shipbuilding, aircraft construction, and carriage building. It is used to make stair railings and tool handles, furniture and plywood.

Dark green oil is obtained from ash seeds, which is used to produce paint, artificial rubber and soap.

The bark is rich in tannins; blue, black, and brown paint are obtained from it.

The medicinal properties of ash allow it to be used in medicine.

The healing properties of ash

Preparations made from ash help get rid of worms and cure coughs. Due to its rich chemical composition, this plant is used to treat many diseases. Active ingredients: essential oils, coumarins, tannins, bitters, resin, gum, flavonoids.

A decoction of ash roots is used to treat chronic respiratory diseases. For kidney diseases, radiculitis, dysentery and worms, use a decoction of the leaves. The infusion helps calm the nervous system, relax, and has a positive effect on sleep. A decoction of tree bark effectively treats colds.

Despite its many beneficial properties, the common ash tree is a poisonous plant, so it should be used with caution and only under medical supervision. Contraindicated in hypertension. In case of an overdose, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and poisoning occur.

For medicinal purposes, young leaves, bark, fruits, seeds, and roots of the tree are collected.

The bark and leaves are harvested in early spring or early summer. Dry in the shade, at a temperature not exceeding -40°C. The roots are harvested in the spring. Fruits are in autumn.

Planting and care

Periodically, the soil around the tree trunk is weeded and loosened. In early spring, nitrogen fertilizers are applied. If necessary, cut off dry and damaged branches and remove top shoots from the trunk.

Pests and diseases of ash tree leaves

The leaves of ash trees are often damaged by Spanish fly. The beetles eat them completely, leaving only petioles and veins. Complete eating of the crown leads to the death of the young plant. To combat the pest, calcium arsenate is used, which is sprayed on the tree.

It is widespread in the European part of Russia. The caterpillar rolls the leaves into a tube.

– the common peeler feeds on ash leaves, completely destroying them.

The most dangerous enemy of this tree is. When it appears, all trees are affected. The caterpillars penetrate the buds and petioles of leaves, and after a few days they develop into shoots.

Ash fruits are affected by weevil -. The larva lives inside the seeds. Dark small dots appear on the infected seed. In May, beetles begin to eat the fruits.

Chemicals are used to control all insect pests.

If stored improperly, mold will form on the fruits, caused by certain types of fungi. To prevent it, fruits are stored in a dry room, with an optimal humidity of no more than 12%.

In winter, the seeds often serve as food for bullfinches and squirrels. Fallen fruits are eaten by rodents.

The ancient Greeks believed that the juice of the leaves of this plant healed wounds from poisonous snake bites. The sap of the branches was dropped into the eyes to improve vision and give them shine. A decoction of the fruit was used to enhance sexual desire. In Rus', the bark of the tree was used as an antimalarial and antifever agent.

Ash was worshiped by many peoples. It was called the “tree of knowledge” and was considered a symbol of wisdom and life. In Ukrainian folklore, he personifies suffering. In the mythology of the ancient Scandinavians, the forces of nature were represented in the form of a huge ash tree supporting the vault of heaven. In magic, he personifies good and evil. Has strong energy. The best time to communicate with a tree is the first half of the day.

In the 19th century, it was common to use the word “ash” in the feminine gender.

You can see what an ash tree looks like in the photo presented on the page below.