Ash: what a tree and leaves look like, descriptions of species and photos, legends

Ash has long been called the "tree of the world." In the old days, he served as a symbol of the rebirth 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 areas of human life.

Tree description

Ash is considered a representative of the Dicotyledonous class of the Maslinov family. Although there are many varieties of culture, all trees belong to the same genus with the same name.All cultures are similar. Trees are distinguished by a large root system that grows deep and wide.

However, its appearance differs from the place of growth. In dry soil, the tree forms a long taproot, which is distinguished by a large number of lateral processes. With a high occurrence of groundwater, the roots are superficial and differ in the anchor structure. At the same time, it is difficult to find the taproot.

The tree develops well in fertile soil. It requires enough light. Therefore, ash is often found in clearings or among rare plantings. The culture is characterized by a smooth trunk, which is almost completely covered with a smooth light gray bark. There are only small cracks at the bottom. The diameter of the trunk depends on the growth zone and the age of the crop. Sometimes it reaches 1 meter.

The crown consists of thick branches that differ in an arched shape. Due to this, it is characterized by a rounded shape. The branches are directed upwards and are distinguished by many straight shoots. The average crown width is 15 meters. In large specimens, it reaches 25 meters.

In springtime, it is easy to identify the variety of a tree by the structure of the bark and black buds. At the same time, they are much larger on the upper part of the culture 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 is distinguished by a rare 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 related to the shape of the leaves, which are thin and sharp at the ends.

Growth area

Ash is often found in areas with a warm climate. The plant has become widespread in European countries. It is also found in Asia and Russia.

Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionCulture, as a rule, grows in mixed forests. Most often it is adjacent to alder. Also, ash is often found far from other crops. A tall and slender tree grows in the center of the field, near roads or water bodies.

What leaves look like

A characteristic feature of the ash tree are large original leaves that 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 wedge-shaped and has a sharp tip. A vein is clearly visible in the central part of the leaves. From below, it resembles a white vein. The handle 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 autumn, the foliage turns bright yellow.

Does ash have flowers

When studying the structure of a tree and leaves, many people pay attention to the fact that it has nondescript flowers. They are characterized by the absence of smell and perianths. All types of ash differ in different flowering, but have much in common. Inflorescences form dense panicles of a tufted shape.

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 have 1 pistil and 2 stamens at the same time. However, this does not apply to all instances.

Flowering culture begins in April-May. This happens even before the leaves appear. Despite the presence of bisexual flowers, female flowers are characterized by faster maturation. Therefore, they are pollinated thanks to neighboring trees.

Popular species

Today, there are several dozen varieties of ash in nature. The most popular types are:

Manchurian - a culture found in Asian forests. An adult plant is distinguished by a spreading crown and light gray bark, covered with cracks. Flowering culture begins in May. At the end of summer, fruits form on the tree. This type of ash tree needs a sufficient amount of heat and light. Therefore, it is permissible to grow it not everywhere.
American - is one of the largest varieties. This crop is drought tolerant and able to withstand even the most severe frosts. This species is considered long-lived. Therefore, it is often used to design different areas in settlements.
Green - This type of ash is also called lanceolate. It is distinguished by a thin trunk and a compact crown. From above, the plant has dark green leaves, and below they are lighter. The tree is drought tolerant and suitable for urban cultivation. It is characterized by rapid growth. Therefore, already 2 years after planting, the plant gives an excellent shade and provides protection from the wind.
Black is one of the few ash varieties that does not bloom. The name of the culture is associated with an unusual dark shade of wood. Many people like this culture. Because it is often used to make furniture.
Common - is considered one of the most common species. This culture is capable of reaching 30 meters. The young tree has gray-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. At the same time, the fruits ripen in the second half of summer.
White - This variety is also called flower. Culture is considered very light-loving. In shady places, its growth slows down. Therefore, planting such ash with taller plants is not recommended. This plant has a large crown. The shoots are covered with light green foliage. Flowering culture 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 occurs naturally and in nature reserves. The culture is characterized by narrow and elongated leaves. Flowers on trees appear in May. They are small and not very attractive. However, flowers have an important plus - they attract a lot of bees. Both young and mature plants normally perceive dry weather. However, they do not tolerate frost well. Therefore, growing trees in regions with a cold climate is not recommended.
Nose-leaved - this 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 covered with small cracks.
Fluffy is the lowest variety of culture, 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 a small fluff. The plant is considered very unpretentious. Therefore, it grows even in areas with a harsh climate. In good conditions, the lifespan of a fluffy ash tree reaches 300 years. As a rule, it is used in landscape design.

Methods of reproduction

Under natural conditions, ash is propagated by mature seeds. The seed material is characterized by high germination. Therefore, young plants are always present near an adult culture. For the purpose of landscaping summer cottages, young seedlings are usually used. To land them, you should do the following:

Prepare the area. For planting a plant, it is worth choosing well-lit places. Culture does not develop well in places with marshy soil. Under such conditions, the root system begins to rot over time.Before planting seedlings, the site needs to be dug up and fertilizers applied to the soil. To do this, it is permissible to use a high-quality mineral preparation or substrate based on sheet soil, sand or humus.
Prepare seedlings. They are worth buying in trusted places. It is important that the plant chosen is strong and he althy. Before planting, it is required to inspect the root system. Dry and broken areas should be carefully trimmed. After that, the root system needs to be further processed with Kornevin.
Plant a plant. It is recommended to dig a recess for ash right before planting. It shouldn't be very big. It is important that the rhizome is placed there unhindered. When planting several trees, it is required to maintain the 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 earth.

Subsequently planted plants should be watered systematically. In spring and autumn, it is recommended to additionally apply nitrogen preparations. This helps the young culture to quickly adapt to new conditions.

Features of wood

Ash is a valuable wood. It is durable and resilient. The age of the crop affects the hardness. Mature trees are denser wood. Due to its distinctive features, the material fixes 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 staining and staining have a bad effect on wood. Therefore, the material, as a rule, is not tinted. It also does not need to be impregnated.

Wood is biologically resistant and highly durable. It serves its owners for many years. When dents and scratches appear, they can be easily removed by grinding.

Where wood is 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. Culture can be placed in the central part or near walls and fences. It is also permissible to plant ash trees in groups.

Strong wood of the culture is often used for lining, window and door frames. It is also permissible to use ash for the manufacture of floor coverings and skirting boards.

The material has an expressive texture. Therefore, it is often used for the production of high-quality furniture. Tables, chairs, cabinets and other items are made from wood. Such products are beautiful and durable.

Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionAsh is also often used for the production of decorative items. From it you can cut sculptures, make dishes or caskets. Such crafts are often complemented with carvings.

Legends of the tree

In ancient legends there are many myths about the involvement of a 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 death, 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 every day instead of milk. A deer that feeds on the branches of a plant has a source of water flowing from its antlers, flowing 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. At the same time, everyone can grow such a crop on their site.