European ash
Quick Summary
The European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is a tall tree native to Eurasia. It is characterized by its leaves, which typically have 7 to 11 oval leaflets. These leaves are dark green and smooth on top, and paler and sometimes downy on the veins underneath.1
The ash genus (Fraxinus) includes about 45 to 65 species of trees and shrubs found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. Many ash species are valued for their timber and aesthetic qualities. Ash trees generally have opposite, pinnately compound leaves with an odd number of leaflets. Their fruits are small, winged seeds called samaras.2
Unfortunately, ash trees face significant threats from pests and diseases. The emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees in North America, and ash dieback disease, caused by a fungus, has severely impacted trees in the United Kingdom.2
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