Fraxinus excelsior Seeds | Common Ash
LATIN NAME: Fraxinus excelsior
COMMON NAME: Common Ash, European Ash
Plant Profile
Common Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is a tree in the olive family. Common ash is one of great trees of Europe, a tree of myth, timber and quiet strength. It is a member of olive family, native across Europe and into western Asia, where it grows in woods, hedgerows and along the rivers. At maturity it stands about Thirty metres. Through the flowering season it keeps visiting bees well supplied. For the gardener, the sum of these traits is a plant that is easy to live with.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the olive family, Fraxinus excelsior contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. Common ash has a rich record in both forestry and ecological research. Species like this one find a second career as research material, especially in propagation and breeding work.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Common Ash for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Ecologically, common ash is a keystone of European woodland. Its seeds feed birds and small mammals, its flowers feed early insects, and its vast canopy provides food and shelter for countless species of wildlife, from insects to owls. Wood is one of the most prized hardwoods of Europe, famous for its strength and elasticity, and it is used for tool handles, oars, furniture, sports equipment and many other products. It takes hold quickly and asks for no special treatment from then on.
Ash bark is a classical Chinese herb, Qin Pi, for intestinal heat, and its coumarins fraxin and esculetin are studied for anti-inflammatory activity; the trees also gave baseball its bats and folklore its world tree.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Common Ash, and the process is uncomplicated. Growing a common ash from seed asks for patience and fresh, sound seed. In spring, bring pots to a bright spot and keep them moist. Scatter the seed evenly over a loose seed compost, cover to no more than its own depth, and keep the pot moist and bright. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Part of this plant’s appeal is the long practical history summarized above. Common Ash, European Ash settles in quickly once it finds its footing. In a sunny, freely drained position it needs little looking after.
Related Reading
More species in the same orbit as Common Ash: