Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Fraxinus excelsior
|
| Common Names: |
European ash; Common Ash; Ash Tree
|
| Key Name: |
European Ash
|
| Parts Used: |
Bark, leaves, seeds
|
| Sister Plants: |
Fraxinus americana, Frainus pennsylvanica, Fraxinus ornus
|
| Comments: |
Hardwood tree with ecological value; attracts pollinators globally
|
Taxonomy |
| Kingdom |
Viridiplantae |
Phylum |
Streptophyta |
| Class |
Magnoliopsida |
Order |
Lamiales |
| Family |
Oleaceae |
Genus |
Fraxinus |
| Species |
excelsior |
NCBI Tax ID |
38873
|
| Organism |
Fraxinus excelsior
|
|
Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Large tree (60-100 ft), smooth grey Bark becoming fissured, pinnate Leaves with 7-13 leaflets, purple-black flower clusters, winged seeds
|
| Stem: |
Smooth grey in youth, fissured and flaky with age
|
| Leaves: |
Pinnate, 8-12 inches, with 7-13 oval leaflets, dark green
|
| Flowers: |
Purple-black flower clusters, blooming April-May
|
| Fruit: |
Winged samaras, 1-2 inches, green turning brown
|
| Taste: |
Bitter (Bark), mild (seeds)
|
| Odour: |
Slightly earthy scent from flowers
|
| Root: |
Deep taproot with lateral spread; prevents erosion
|
| Image: |
GBIF — CC BY-NC
GBIF — CC BY-NC
GBIF — CC BY-NC-SA
Fraxinus excelsior
Wikipedia — Wikimedia
GBIF — CC BY-NC
GBIF — CC BY-NC
GBIF — CC BY-NC-SA
Fraxinus excelsior
Wikipedia — Wikimedia
GBIF — CC BY-NC
GBIF — CC BY-NC
GBIF — CC BY-NC-SA
|
Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Europe, Western Asia, naturalized elsewhere
|
| Cultivation: |
Prefers well-drained soil, full Sun to partial shade; propagate by seed
|
| Harvest: |
Bark: Spring from pruned branches; Leaves: Early summer; seeds: Fall
|
Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Astringent, Diuretic, Laxative, Anti-inflammatory
|
| Medical Uses: |
Used for Arthritis, Rheumatism, Edema, constipation, and as a mild Diuretic; Bark for Fever
|
| Constituents: |
Tannins, coumarins, mannitol, fraxin
|
| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (Tincture), glycerin
|
| Dosage: |
Bark Tincture: 5-10 drops in water 2-3 times daily; Leaves: 1 tsp dried in tea
|
| Administration: |
Internal: Tincture or infusion; External: Poultice for inflammation
|
| Formulas: |
Combine with willow for joint pain; with dandelion for Diuretic effect
|
| Contra Indications: |
May cause Allergic reactions or Digestive upset; avoid in Pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
|
| Preparation: |
Tincture: Steep 1 part Bark in 5 parts alcohol for 2-4 weeks; infusion: Steep 1 tsp Leaves in hot water for 10 minutes
|
| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
|
| Veterinary: |
Used for swelling or wound treatment in livestock
|
| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
|
Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
|
| Pollinator: |
1
|
| Pollen: |
Yes
|
| Pollen Notes: |
Wind-dispersed, visited by bees for pollen
|
| Nectar: |
Yes
|
| Nectar Notes: |
Attracts bees for nectar, supports pollinator health
|
Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Wood for tools and furniture, wildlife habitat
|
| Culinary Uses: |
Young Leaves occasionally eaten in salads; seeds rarely consumed
|
| History: |
Used in European folk medicine for centuries; valued in woodworking
|
| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; European Herbal Traditions
|
| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Fraxinus+excelsior
|
| Share: |
Private
|