How to identify an ash tree Tree Profiles > How to identify an ash tree How do you identify an ash tree? Wondering if you are looking at an ash tree? Your clues are their leaves, buds, flowers and seeds. Here’s what they look like at-a-glance: Ash tree facts Hello! In today’s guide we are going to learn how to identify an ash tree. Are you ready? Let’s get started! Here are a few ash tree facts:Common name: Ash – Common or EuropeanLatin name: Fraxinus excelsiorFamily: OleaceaeAsh trees can grow up to 35 meters tall, live for up to 400 years and prefer growing in fertile, well-drained soil. Ash leaves Ash leaves are pinnate, growing in 3-6 opposite pairs with a single leaflet at the end. Ash buds The buds are dark grey or black and grow in rotating, opposite pairs Ash flowers Ash flowers grow in clusters of tiny, purple-red, spiny-looking, grape-like florets Ash seeds The seeds (called keys) are long and thin with a seed at one end and grow in clusters Trees that look similar to ash ash leaves elder leaves Elder Elder leaves look similar to ash, but they are darker in colour, thicker and wider and there are fewer leaflets per stem. Ash tree uses Medicinal – Ash is traditionally used as a bitter tonic and astringentDyes – The bark produces a soft, creamy coloured brown dyeBushcraft – Ash twigs are strong and flexible, making them great for bows and arrowsWildlife – Many birds, animals, lichens and fungi rely on ash treesIndustry – Ash wood is soft and strong, so used in furniture and sports equipment Like this:Like Loading...