35 Ash Tree Facts: Uses, Importance, Types And Much More

Ash trees are spread throughout the Western Hemisphere.

These trees are oval-shaped, but different species possess distinct shapes. Keep reading more about these trees to learn some astonishing facts.

These trees contain compound leaves having 5-11 leaflets. The leaflets, buds, and branches are grown in a reversed direction from one another. The seeds of this tree are also known as 'keys' or 'helicopter seeds.' As it grows, this tree may also change its sexual orientation from predominantly male to female. If it's developed as an ornamental plant and contains both sexes, this tree causes litter problems with its seeds. Rowans and mountain ashes contain buds and leaves that are superficially resonating with the authentic ashes, but they are the members of Sorbus from the rose family.

Facts About Ash Trees

Ash trees are mostly planted in lawns, streets, and shady places, and they were intensely planted once in the USA. It's identified by its unique feature of branching in an opposite manner, unlike other trees, and leaflets or clusters form their leaves. Intriguingly, ash trees' bark varies with species. Let's look at some more enthralling facts about ash trees.

• The miniature array of deep purple flowers can be seen on ash trees, where male and female flowers are grown on distinctive plants (dioecious plants). These flowers are pollinated because of wind.
• Domestic animals such as cows and goats, and wild animals like rabbits, relish the branches and leaves of ash trees.
• Samara is a fruit grown on ash trees that is 1-2 in (2.5-5.1 cm) long and is covered by a thin membrane for the protection of seeds present within.
• Ash trees are known for the production of substances like olive oil which is used in the treatment of stomach disorders. The ash tree bark is also used in the treatment of warts on the skin in Britain.
• The lifespan of ash trees widely varies from 30-300 years, depending on their species.
• Music instruments, like electric guitars and drums, are made using the wood from the ash tree.
• The uniqueness of ash wood, being elastic and robust at the same time, makes it perfect for producing sports instruments like hockey sticks, canoe paddles, tennis rackets, and baseball bats.
• Ash tree is also used for the smoking of food, like meat.

Ash Tree Uses

This shade tree, along with its exceptional features, also possesses multiple practical uses that might startle you! Dig deep to know more about these ash tree uses.

• Ashwood is composed of many minerals, such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium. So, don't forget to store ash in your garden next time!
• The ash wood is also used for woodworking.
• The ash wood possesses great aesthetics for woodworking and flooring.
• Ash is also consumed as part of the treatment for fever, constipation, bladder problems, and gout.
• These trees are edible.
• White ash is used in making vehicle parts and railroad cars.
• Green ash tree is used in making lumber, boxes, crates, and baseball bats.
• Green ash is also used in making canoe paddles and oars.
• Ashwood amends and balances the excessive acidity in the soil.
• Besides the ash wood's multiple uses, it's also shock resistant.
• Ash wood is also used in producing soaps.
• Powdery wood ash helps in the prevention of damage from frost.
• The wood of ash trees is also used as a deodorant.
• Ash is used in making economical fire extinguishers.
• The ash is also used in the making of cheese!

The Importance Of Ash Trees

This shade tree has some irreplaceable roles of importance. Let's look at the reason why ash tree is important and what their environmental roles are.

• The damage caused to the ash population has some devastating consequences, economically as well as ecologically. This damage can brush off the entire species leading to gaps in the food cycle, which has a huge impact on the ecosystem.
• It's also economically important, irrespective of its fame of purchase for ornamental planting and the production of other materials made from its wood.
• The cost of removing the dead or diseased ash tree inflates the municipal budget. The house owners are also supposed to pay for the removal of dead or infected ash trees from their properties.

Different Types Of Ash Trees

We have seen multiple features and benefits possessed by these ash trees. Let's also get to know more about different types of species of ash trees.

• Generally, green ash and white ash are planted in the landscape.
• The green ash tree is found to be one of the frequently grown ashes and adapts to a wide variety of soil conditions, including wet soils and dry soils.
• Green ash is one of the species that has been intensely affected by the emerald ash borer. A green ash tree can also be grown in areas with excessive pollution and salt. 
• The medium-light green leaves of the green ash tree incorporate five to nine leaflets. It's suitable for sun exposure and it's best to avoid planting in areas where there are lots of insects, which can affect the health of the twigs, leaves, bark, and overall tree.
• Green ash tree native areas include northern and eastern America.
• White ash is also one of the common trees planted in the U.S. Similar to green ash trees, the white ash has also been affected catastrophically by emerald ash borer. 
• The white ash tree is also named the Biltmore ash, which is the largest of all native ash trees. This tree possesses the structure of a pyramid and, over a period of time, shapes itself into a round crown. 
• The white ash tree bark is gray in color and forms a pattern of diamond ridges once it starts aging. The leaves contain a group of five to nine leaflets of dark green color with whitish-green pigmentation at the edges. 
• The white ash species is well-exposed to the sun and is native in eastern North America.