Ash has been called the “tree of peace” for a long time. In the old days, it served as a symbol of the revival of life and endowed people with strength. The wood was used to make amulets, runes and rosaries. At the same time, many people are interested in what an ash tree and its leaves look like, as well as a description of the species and photos of the plant. This culture has a decorative appearance and is used in various spheres of human life.
Description of the tree
Ash is considered a representative of the Dicotyledonous class of the Olive family.Although there are many varieties of the crop, all trees belong to the same genus with the same name. All types of culture are similar. The trees are distinguished by a large root system that grows in depth and breadth.
Moreover, its appearance differs from the place of growth. In dry soil, the tree forms a long tap root, which is distinguished by a large number of lateral shoots. When the groundwater level is high, the roots are located superficially and have an anchor structure. However, it is difficult to find the tap root.
The tree grows well in fertile soil. It requires enough light. Therefore, ash is often found in clearings or among sparse plantings. The culture is characterized by a smooth trunk, which is almost entirely covered with smooth light gray bark. There are only small cracks at the bottom. The diameter of the trunk depends on the growth zone and age of the crop. Sometimes it reaches 1 meter.
The crown consists of thick branches that have an arched shape. Due to this, it is characterized by a rounded shape. The branches are directed upward and are distinguished by many straight shoots. The average crown width is 15 meters. In large specimens it reaches 25 meters.
In spring, it is easy to determine the type of tree by the structure of the bark and black buds. Moreover, on the top of the crop they are much larger than on the sides. The foliage on the trees appears late and is characterized by a rich green color.
Why is it called that?
Vladimir Dal claims that the name of the tree is associated with the word “clear” or “light”. The plant has a sparse crown and sparse branches. This allows a lot of light to pass through the leaves.
The scientific name of the tree is Fraxinus.From Latin this term is translated as “spear”. It is likely that the reason for this name is due to the shape of the leaves, which are thin and sharp at the ends.
Growth area
Ash is often found in areas with warm climates. The plant has become widespread in European countries. It is also found in Asia and Russia.
What does the foliage look like?
A characteristic feature of ash is its large, distinctive leaves, which reach a length of 40 centimeters and include 7-15 opposite elements. Each of them reaches a length of 4-9 centimeters. The foliage is distinguished by a wedge-shaped shape and a sharp tip. A vein is clearly visible in the central part of the leaves. From below it resembles a white vein. The cutting is characterized by a semicircular grooved shape.
Leaves appear in late spring. In autumn, the tree often sheds them while still green. This happens before the first frost. If the weather is mild in the fall, the foliage turns bright yellow.
Does ash have flowers?
When studying the structure of a tree and its leaves, many people notice that it has inconspicuous flowers. They are characterized by the absence of odor and perianth. All types of ash have different flowering patterns, but have much in common. The inflorescences form dense, bunch-shaped panicles.
Male and female inflorescences appear on the same tree, but the latter are longer. The flowers on them are bisexual. This means that they can simultaneously have 1 pistil and 2 stamens. However, this does not apply to all copies.
The flowering of the crop begins in April-May.This happens even before the leaves appear. Despite the presence of bisexual flowers, female flowers are distinguished by faster ripening. Therefore, they are pollinated by neighboring trees.
Popular types
Today, there are several dozen varieties of ash in nature. The most popular types include:
- Manchurian - a culture found in Asian forests. An adult plant is distinguished by a spreading crown and light gray bark covered with cracks. The flowering of the crop begins in May. At the end of summer, fruits form on the tree. This type of ash needs sufficient heat and light. Therefore, it is not permissible to grow it everywhere.
- American - is one of the largest varieties. This crop is drought-resistant and can withstand even the most severe frosts. This species is considered long-lived. Therefore, it is often used to decorate various areas in populated areas.
- Green – This type of ash is also called lanceolate. It is distinguished by a thin trunk and compact crown. The plant has dark green leaves on top, while they are lighter below. The tree is drought-resistant and suitable for growing in the city. It is characterized by rapid growth. Therefore, already 2 years after planting, the plant provides excellent shade and provides protection from the wind.
- Black Ash is one of the few varieties of ash that does not flower. The name of the culture is associated with the unusual dark shade of the wood. Many people like this culture. Therefore, it is often used to make furniture.
- Ordinary - considered one of the most common types. This crop can reach 30 meters. The young tree has grey-green bark. As it ages, it acquires a dark color and gradually becomes covered with cracks.The tree is characterized by a voluminous crown and large foliage, which can reach a length of 40 centimeters. Flowers appear in mid-spring. In this case, the fruits ripen in the second half of summer.
- White – This variety is also called flower. The culture is considered very light-loving. In shady places its growth slows down. Therefore, it is not recommended to plant such an ash tree with taller plants. This plant is characterized by a voluminous crown. The shoots are covered with light green foliage. The flowering of the crop begins in late spring. This stage lasts 7-10 days. During this period, the tree looks very attractive.
- Narrow-leaved - this plant can reach a height of 30 meters. It is found in natural conditions and in nature reserves. The culture is characterized by narrow and elongated leaves. Flowers appear on trees in May. They are small in size and not very attractive in appearance. However, flowers have an important advantage - they attract many bees. Both young and adult plants normally perceive dry weather. However, they do not tolerate frost well. Therefore, growing trees in regions with cold climates is not recommended.
- Nosoleaf - this type of ash is often called mountain ash. It is characterized by a beautiful crown and an unusual shade of young bark. It is covered with light spots, similar to strokes of paint. After some time, the bark becomes darker and becomes covered with small cracks.
- Fluffy is the lowest variety of crop, the height of which does not exceed 15-18 meters. The tree is characterized by a voluminous crown and felt shoots. The leaves are dark green in color and covered with slight fluff. The plant is considered very unpretentious. That’s why it grows even in areas with harsh climates. In good conditions, the lifespan of a downy ash tree reaches 300 years.As a rule, it is used in landscape design.
Reproduction methods
Under natural conditions, ash reproduces by ripened seeds. The seed material is characterized by high germination. Therefore, young plants are always present near the adult crop. For the purpose of landscaping summer cottages, young seedlings are usually used. To plant them you should do the following:
- Prepare the area. To plant the plant, you should choose well-lit places. The culture does not develop well in areas with marshy soil. In such conditions, the root system begins to rot over time. Before planting seedlings, the area needs to be dug up and fertilizers added to the soil. To do this, it is permissible to use a high-quality mineral preparation or substrate based on leaf soil, sand or humus.
- Prepare seedlings. They should be purchased from reputable places. It is important that the chosen plant is strong and healthy. Before planting, you need to inspect the root system. Dry and broken areas should be carefully trimmed. After which the root system must be additionally treated with Kornevin.
- Plant a plant. It is recommended to dig a hole for ash right before planting. It shouldn't be very large. It is important that the rhizome fits there unhindered. When planting several trees, it is necessary to maintain an interval between them. It must be at least 5 meters. The seedling needs to be carefully placed in the hole and its roots sprinkled with soil.
Subsequently, the planted plants should be watered systematically. In spring and autumn, it is recommended to add additional nitrogen preparations. This helps the young culture quickly adapt to new conditions.
Features of wood
Ash is a valuable wood. It is characterized by strength and elasticity. Hardness is affected by the age of the crop. Mature trees have denser wood. Thanks to its distinctive features, the material holds screws, nails and other fasteners well.
Ash wood is characterized by a light brown color that turns into a light pink tint. It has an expressive texture. This is due to the presence of large vessels. It is important to consider that painting and staining have a bad effect on wood. Therefore, the material, as a rule, is not tinted. It also does not need to be soaked.
Wood is resistant to biological influences and highly durable. It serves its owners for many years. When dents and scratches appear, they can be easily removed by sanding.
Where is wood used?
Ash is used in various areas of human life. Tall and beautiful trees can grow in one place for a long time. Therefore, they should be used to decorate alleys, parks and other areas. The culture can be placed in the central part or near walls and fences. It is also permissible to plant ash trees in groups.
Durable wood from the crop is often used for the production of lining, frames for windows and doors. Ash can also be used for making flooring and baseboards.
The material has an expressive texture. Therefore, it is often used to produce high-quality furniture. Tables, chairs, cabinets and other items are made from wood. Such products turn out beautiful and durable.
Legends about the tree
In ancient legends there are many myths about the involvement of the tree in the appearance of people on the planet. There is a legend that Scandinavian deities made a man from ash and a woman from alder.
After their death, the warriors end up in Odin's Garden of Eden, and there they continue their work. In the center of the promised land of Valhalla is a large ash tree. A goat that eats its leaves gives honey instead of milk every day. A deer that feeds on the branches of a plant has a source of water flowing from its antlers that flows underground.
Ash is a beautiful and majestic tree that is often used in landscape design. Its wood is used to make furniture and decorative items. Moreover, everyone can grow such a crop on their own plot.
