Week 3 - Fraxinus excelsior; Ash
I’ve chosen Ash this week as its another dead easy winter identification. This is because of the leaf buds, which are positioned in opposite pairs along the twig. They are pointy, in a slightly angular cone shape, and quite prominent because of their coal-black colour which has no shine to it at all – just flat black. Some other trees have dark buds but none that you’d mistake for Ash. Easy to remember because of the link to burning – black – ash! If buds are out of reach for some reason, take a look at the trunk – the bark is quite deeply ridged in a vertical pattern on a mature specimen and is a true grey. Younger trees have smooth bark.
I’ve chosen Ash this week as its another dead easy winter identification. This is because of the leaf buds, which are positioned in opposite pairs along the twig. They are pointy, in a slightly angular cone shape, and quite prominent because of their coal-black colour which has no shine to it at all – just flat black. Some other trees have dark buds but none that you’d mistake for Ash. Easy to remember because of the link to burning – black – ash! If buds are out of reach for some reason, take a look at the trunk – the bark is quite deeply ridged in a vertical pattern on a mature specimen and is a true grey. Younger trees have smooth bark.
The tallest UK native tree and a pioneer species, it is known for easily colonising brownfield sites. The seeds are spread on the wind in the form of keys. Seedlings spread and germinate easily in large numbers if they fall on clear soil.
Don’t confuse it with the Mountain Ash as they are very different in size and form.
Don’t confuse it with the Mountain Ash as they are very different in size and form.
Also, here is a handy Natural History Museum site which gives you lists of plants native to any postcode.
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