Fraxinus excelsior
Gemeine Esche
Eurpean Ash
Esch
Frêne commun

Size:
The ash reaches heights of over 40 m with a maximum age of around 300 years. In the first few years the ash grows very quickly (annual shoots up to 80 cm), later more slowly.

Leaf: 
The pinnate leaves sprout very late and often fall from the tree abruptly and without discolouration in autumn after the first frosts.

Flower/Fruit: 
Ash flowers in yellowish-green clusters before leaves emerge. By September, unilateral winged nutlets develop from these. These "screw fliers" can fly up to 125 m from the parent tree.

Wood:
Ash wood is one of the most valuable commercial woods (noble hardwood). It is particularly strong, load-bearing, flexible and does not splinter. The main use of the wood today is in the manufacture of furniture and sports equipment, for handles and musical instruments. In the past, it was used to make wheel tyres, drawbars, rudders and axles.

Trivia/Use: 
Ash flowers are in principle bisexual, i.e. male and female flower organs are found in one inflorescence. However, one or the other sex can also be reduced, resulting in purely male or female flowers, up to purely male or female trees (trioeciousness)!