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 L.

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.

Gallery

• 
• 

  Fraxinus excelsior - Museum specimen

European Ash Media

• 

  Flower of an ash tree,

• 

  Seeds of Fraxinus excelsior, popularly known as "keys" or "helicopter seeds", are a type of fruit known as a samara

• 

  EschegemeineHolz

• 

  Replica of the body frame from the Volvo ÖV 4 car, made primarily from ash wood

• 

  The world tree of Norse mythology, Yggdrasil - seen here depicted by Lorenz Frølich - is typically described as an ash tree.

• 

  Ash saplings from a mast year