European Ash

The European Ash is a large deciduous tree native to much of Europe and southwestern Asia. Renowned for its tall, upright stature and smooth grey bark that develops fissures with age, this species features opposite, pinnately compound leaves containing multiple leaflets. It is historically valued for its tough, elastic wood, which has been traditionally utilized for tool handles, sports equipment, and furniture. However, European ash populations face severe threats across their native range due to ash dieback, a destructive fungal disease caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus.