Taxonomy
Fraxinus excelsior | Ash | Fuinseog
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not protected
Native status
Native
Species Biology
Identification
Flowers: April – May; clusters of small blackish
flowers
Fruits: Clusters of single-winged seeds
often called ‘ash keys’
Twigs & bark: Twigs grey; bark grey and smooth then furrowed when mature
Habitat
Hedges, woods and rocky places, especially on limestone soils
Life cycle
Perennial
Ex-situ conservation
Not known
Use
Forest crop
Vegetative nature
Woody
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Widespread and common
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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Further information
The rapid growth and re-sprouting ability of Ash after coppicing made it a valuable resource in the past, taking only 10 years before being re-cut. Its wood has been widely used in construction and in the making of furniture, tool handles, oars, hurleys and snooker cues due to its flexibility, strength and resistance to splitting. however the species is now under serious threat from an imported fungal parasite called ash die-back. it is predicted to kill 90-99% of all Irish Ash trees unless a solution is found.