Common names: Ash 

Irish name: Fuinseóg 

Latin name: Fraxinus excelsior 

Family: Oleaceae 

Origin: Native 

Tree type: Deciduous broadleaf tree

How it looks

Shape, bark, twigs 

Ash trees can reach a height of 35m, and often form a domed canopy. Their bark is pale grey, and as it ages, forms crisscross ridges. Twigs are grey and very smooth.  

Buds 

The ash has prominent black buds arranged opposite each other along the branches. These buds typically measure 5 to 13mm in size and are most noticeable during the winter. 

Leaves 

Ash leaves are compound, each consisting of three to six pairs of oval-shaped, pointed, and toothed leaflets with one terminal leaflet. These leaflets are arranged in opposite pairs and can reach a length of up to 35cm. An interesting characteristic of the ash tree is that it is one of the last trees to sprout leaves in spring and one of the first to shed them in autumn, often dropping while they are still green.  

Flowers 

During March, before the tree comes into leaf, it produces deep purple flowers that grow in spiked clusters at the tips of its twigs. Ash trees have a complicated reproductive system, with some trees exclusively bearing male flowers that produce pollen, some exclusively producing female flowers that yield seeds, and some having both male and female flowers, generating both pollen and seeds. This arrangement can vary from year to year. The male flower clusters consist of purple anthers that split open to release pollen into the wind, while female flowers have purple styles and stigmas. Fertilisation occurs when male flowers' pollen lands on female flowers' receptive stigmas, resulting in fruit development. To avoid self-fertilisation, the stigmas of the flowers stigmase to pollen when the pollen is released from the same tree. 

Fruits 

Once wind-pollinated, the female flowers transform into clusters of dry-winged fruits known as "keys." These keys typically appear in late summer and autumn, eventually falling from the tree during winter and descending through the air to disperse widely. 

Similar species 

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) and Elder (Sambucus nigra). Elder has fewer leaflets, and those of the Rowan are serrated.

Where to find it

Ash trees are abundant throughout Ireland and are commonly encountered in Irish hedgerows and woodlands. They grow in various soil types but flourish in fertile, deep, and well-drained soils, particularly in cooler climates. Ash trees are known as light-demanding pioneer species, capable of quickly colonising open spaces. They can grow at elevations of up to 400 meters above sea level.  

Distribution-wise, ash trees are the most widely dispersed species in Europe, found in all European countries except for Portugal. Furthermore, they are native to regions such as Asia Minor and Africa, and their range extends from the Arctic Circle to Turkey.

Cultural importance

History | Myth | Literature

History 

The wood of the ash tree was being used by communities in Ireland as early as 7000 years ago, as evidenced by its inclusion in the construction of a late Mesolithic (c. 7000-4000 BC) fish trap discovered in the North Wall Quay area of Dublin. Charcoal discovered at Neolithic (c. 4000-2500 BC) occupation sites, suggests that, along with hazel, hawthorn and holly, it was frequently used for firewood during this period. 

Moving into later prehistory, archaeological excavations at Edercloon, Co. Longford demonstrate that ash was used along with various other types of wood in the construction of Bronze Age (c. 2200-800 BC) and Iron Age (c. 800 BC-400 AD) trackways and platforms that were used to traverse and access wetland areas. Other artefacts made of ash that were recovered from this site include, Iron Age wheel rim fragments, a possible cart fragment and a wooden sled possibly for transporting food and other resources. At Corlea, Co. Longford, wooden tub and platter fragments, all made of ash, were found deposited in the Iron Age bog wooden trackway that was excavated there in the 1980s. In addition, a stylised wooden idol made of ash was deposited in the base of the trackway, possibly as a ritual offering. Ash was also used to make weapons during the Iron Age. The spear shaft of an Iron Age spear recently found in the River Inny, Co. Westmeath was identified as ash, demonstrating that ash was also used to make weapons during this period. 

Eoin Neeson states that due to extensive wood clearance from the time of the first Neolithic  farmers onwards, ash, along with elm and Scots pine, had declined dramatically by 300 AD. Nevertheless, early Irish manuscripts reveal that ash was considered one of the ‘Nobles of the Wood’ during the early Medieval period (c. 400-1100 AD) as it was used to make spear shafts and furniture. Indeed, one Irish clan from the province of Munster, the Dal gCais, cultivated ash and holly especially for their suitability for making weapons as well as domestic structures. One Medieval text suggests that ash may also have been used to make a King’s throne. Other texts affirm that it was used to make yokes for oxen and oars for rowing. Evidence from archaeological excavations in Dublin has established that ash trees were also deliberately coppiced during the eleventh century for the construction of Viking houses. Likewise, ash timbers recovered from the wreck of a Viking long ship in Roskilde Fjord, Denmark were revealed to have come from the Dublin area where the vessel was originally constructed. 

The high esteem for ash during the early Medieval period is apparent in the belief that the presence of ash was an indication of good land. As such, it is perhaps unsurprising that, as described in the Dindshenchas, a Medieval text on place-lore, three of the five sacred or venerated trees of Ireland were ash. Likewise, Neeson notes that the sheer frequency of ash trees at holy wells throughout Ireland – with no less than 75 examples from a sample of 200 sites – demonstrates its strong association as a sacred tree. 

In the early Irish ogham alphabet, the letter ‘N’ is represented by ash or the word ‘nion’, which means ‘forked branch’ and is thought to refer indirectly to the fork or branch of ash that formed part of a weaver’s loom. The corresponding ogham character is written as:

During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, a type of alkali derived from ash was used in the production of glass. It was thus important for industry. Towards the end of the seventeenth century new legislation was passed for the growth of more trees, including ash, in the service of industries such as ironworking. Similarly, in the eighteenth century, landowners were encouraged and subsidised to plant stands of ash, oak, elm, Weymouth pine and Scots pine. 

In the twentieth century, ash was used in rural areas for making stools and chairs. It is also the primary wood used to craft hurleys, with almost 350,000 being produced a year. However, due to ash dieback, they are now largely made from imported rather than native ash. 

Different derivations of the irish word for ash - fuinseóg - appear in Irish placenames and the names of other geographical features. For instance, the Funshion River or Abhainn na Fuinseann in County Tipperary means ‘ash-producing river’, while Funshin or Fuinseann in County Galway translates as ‘place of ash’.

Myth, Legend and Folklore 

The ash is generally seen as a virtuous, protective and sacred tree. As a result, it features frequently in myth and folklore.  

Ash was thought to protect against evil. There are references to the burning of ash and the use of ash staffs to ward off the devil. Likewise, ash sticks were used to drive cattle in the belief that they would protect them from any negative influence. In the same way, ash was used to protect against witches. However, there are also references to witches using ash to curse or make spells. 

Connecting with its frequent presence at holy wells, ash is associated with water, and the water that collected in the hollow of its branches was considered holy. A number of holy wells connected to St Brigid have associated pilgrimage rituals involving ash trees. This is interesting as in the middle Irish text, On the Life of St Brigid, she is linked with the ash. 

In Irish mythology, ash is particularly associated with the warrior queen or goddess, Maedhbh. A passage from the story the Táin Bó Cúailgne or the Cattle Raid of Cooley mentions that when she planted a horse whip – which was usually made of ash - it became known as Bile Maedhbh or the sacred tree of Maedhbh. In another story, a rod of ash was used to put a spell on King Cormac Connloinges with the intention of preventing him from repairing his chariot. 

Ash was seen as a very sacred tree. Of the five sacred trees of Ireland described in myth and legend, three of them were ash. These five trees were believed to have grown from the berries of a magical tree. The mightiest of the trees was Bile Tortan, which grew on the plain of Tortu in County Meath. It is said that when Bile Tortan fell, the prosperity of the area declined. Eoin Neeson suggests that this description, along with references from other stories, indicates that the ash was seen as the sacred guardian tree, not dissimilar to Yggdrassil, the sacred ash or world ash tree that features in Norse mythology.

Literature 

The ash appears in early Irish poetry, one example being the poem the Tree of Tortan included in the Medieval text, The Dindshenchas, which praises and mourns the fallen sacred ash. In contrast, the ash is described as ‘baleful’ in the Medieval poem Laoi Suaibhne or Sweeney’s lay. This is perhaps in reference to the use of the ash to make weaponry. Once again, emphasizing its darker associations, M. R. James’ ghost story, The Ash Tree, highlights the connection between the ash and witchcraft. 

Value to wildlife

Ash trees serve as ideal habitats for a variety of wildlife species. Their open canopy and early leaf shedding allow sunlight to penetrate the forest floor, creating optimal conditions for the growth of wildflowers like bluebells, dog violet and wild garlic, which, in turn, support a diverse range of insects. 

Birds such as bullfinches feed on ash tree seeds. Due to the ash tree's long lifespan, it provides a haven for deadwood specialist insects and hole-nesting birds, including owls and woodpeckers. Often, ash trees are accompanied by a hazel understorey, further enhancing the area's ecological diversity. 

The alkaline bark of ash trees hosts numerous lichens and mosses, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem. Additionally, the leaves of ash trees serve as crucial food sources for the caterpillars of various moth species, including the coronet, brick, and centre-barred sallow. Birds like bullfinches also rely on ash seeds as part of their diet. The presence of ash trees plays a pivotal role in supporting and sustaining diverse wildlife communities.

Threats

The primary threat to ash trees is ash dieback, also known as Chalara dieback. This destructive disease is induced by a fungus known as Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (formerly called Chalara fraxinea). The fungus obstructs the flow of essential nutrients within the tree's vascular system. This invasive tree disease was initially identified in Ireland in 2012, and was likely introduced through infected ash planting stock imported from continental Europe. Although a small fraction of ash trees exhibit a natural tolerance to this pathogen, it is expected to affect the majority of ash trees in Ireland, causing widespread mortality over the next two decades. 

Ash dieback symptoms include black lesions on tree stems and dark blotches on the leaves, eventually leading to leaf loss and the withering of the crown, ultimately resulting in the death of the affected trees.  

To learn more about threats to Irish trees, visit ‘Threats to Trees.’

Uses

Ash wood possesses several desirable qualities, including its pale, clear, sturdy, and durable nature, particularly in dry conditions. Its remarkable flexibility allows it to withstand pressure and absorb shocks without splintering, making it the preferred wood for crafting various tools and sports equipment handles. This includes hammers, axes, spades, hurleys, and oars. Beyond its utility in functional applications, ash wood's attractive appearance has made it a favourite choice for crafting high-quality furniture. It is also commonly used in the production of laminates and plywood. 

Ash trees are known for their ability to regenerate effectively through coppicing. This regrowth is valuable for wood production and a source of excellent firewood and charcoal. 

Furthermore, ash has a history of traditional use in herbal medicine. Its bark was utilised for treating fevers, while its leaves were applied to address gout and promote improved urinary and digestive functions. Ash sap was employed to ease earaches. The young, green, immature seeds of the ash tree are not only edible but have also been found helpful in herbal remedies.

References

Clarke, H. 2014. Dublin 1014: built on water and commerce. Irish Times, 10 April 2014. Dublin 1014: built on water and commerce – The Irish Times  

Kelly, F. 1999. Trees in Early Ireland, Augustine Henry Memorial Lecture 11th March 1999, Irish forestry: Journal of the Society of Irish Foresters, 56, 39-57.  

MacCoitir, N. 2015. Ireland’s Trees: Myths, Legends and Folklore. Cork: The Collins Press. 

McLoughlin, J. 2016. Trees and woodland names in Irish placenames, Irish Forestry, 73, 239-257. 

McMahon, P. 2023. Island of Woods: How Ireland Lost Its Forests and How to Get Them Back, Dublin: New Island Books. 

McManus, D. 1991. A Guide to Ogam, Maynooth: An Sagart.  

McQuade, M. and O'Donnell, L. 2007. Late Mesolithic fish traps from the Liffey estuary, Dublin, Ireland. Antiquity. 81(313), 569-584. doi:10.1017/S0003598X00095594 

Moore, Catriona. 2021. Between the Meadows: The archaeology of Edercloon on the N4 Dromod–Roosky Bypass: 11 (TII Heritage), Dublin: Transport Infrastructure Ireland. 

Neeson, E. 1991. A History of Irish Forestry, Dublin: The Lilliput Press Ltd. 

O’Toole, F. 2011. Iron spearhead, 800-675 BC. A History of Ireland in 100 Objects: the past is unpredictable. Irish Times, 21 May 2011. Iron spearhead, 800-675 BC – The Irish Times 

Raftery, B. 1996. Trackway Excavations in the Mountdillon Bogs, Co. Longford, Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit Transactions: Volume 3, Dublin: Crannóg Publishing. 

Stroh, P. A., Humphrey, T. A., Burkmar, R. J., Pescott, O. L., Roy, D. B., & Walker, K. J. 2023. BSBI Online Plant Atlas 2020. https://plantatlas2020.org/atlas

Tree Council of Ireland. 2024. Native Irish Trees. Tree Council of Ireland. https://www.treecouncil.ie/native-irish-trees 

Woodland Trust. N.d. A-Z of British trees. Woodland Trust. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/