Ash
Fraxinus excelsior
Ash is the commonest tree in Irish hedgerows, and is also a traditional woodland species. It will grow in a range of soils, not acid, and prefers well-drained sites. The flowers are very dark, almost black, and may be seen before the leaves develop – ash is one of the last trees to come into leaf and is one of the first to lose its leaves in autumn. The seeds are clumps of winged keys. The pale dense timber makes good firewood and is also used for hurley sticks, snooker cues and furniture.
Collection
Either collect ash keys when full-size but still green during August or September; or collect when fully ripe and brown in October and November.
Storage
Stratify fully ripe seed for 16 – 18 months in sand.
Sowing
Sow those collected in August immediately although germination the following Spring can be erratic.
Sow those stratified for 16 -18 months in March or April. Ash requires a neutral soil for good growth.
