Fuinseog
Latin name: Fraxinus excelsior
Ash Trees
Courtesy of Coillte Teoranta
Ash Trees
Courtesy of Coillte Teoranta
Courtesy of Coillte Teoranta
Ash Trees
Courtesy of Coillte Teoranta
The common ash is Ireland’s tallest native tree. It is a deciduous tree.
After a common ash has been cut down, it is able to re-sprout and start growing again.
The tallest ash in Ireland is forty metres in height. It is happily growing in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary!
Leaves of the common ash are wide and have an oval shape. The tip of the leaves is pointed.
The seeds of the common ash tree look like a big bunch of keys! As you could guess, they are called ‘keys’! These seeds are food for lots of wildlife. eg. birds, mice and squirrels.
During the summer, look out for the dark purple coloured flowers. During the winter, you will see dark black buds on the common ash.
What is Ash wood used for?
The wood of the common ash tree is strong and flexible.
It is used to make furniture. It is also used to make walking sticks and many sports gear.
One of Ireland’s most popular national sports uses ash to make the sports gear.
Can you guess what it is?
Hurling! Did you know that one and a half acres of ash trees can make about 3,800 hurleys? Ash is also used to make snooker cues, oars, and hockey sticks.
Can you think of any other sports gear that might be made from ash wood?
The ash was important to the Celts. They believed that the ash tree and the rowan tree could protect them.