Ash types. Light handsome ash

1. Description
2. Popular types
3. Ordinary
4. American
5. Fluffy
6. Manchurian
7. black ash
8. Landing and care

Ash is the most widespread and numerous genus of trees in the olive family in the Northern Hemisphere. In total, there are more than 50 of its species, most of them are deciduous trees, but there are also shrubs.

Ash received its eloquent name in Russia because of the characteristic shape of openwork leaves that let in the sun's color.

Description

The “favorite” soils of this kind of trees are neutral or slightly alkaline, fertile, with abundant moisture: chernozems, gray loams. They grow in small groups, singly, in the vicinity of other deciduous trees in forests, parks, river floodplains, beams, hollows, preferring well-lit areas.

The root system of ash trees without a central rod, but powerful, grows widely to the sides. The trunks are usually smooth, covered with light silvery or greenish-gray bark, stretching up to 20–30 m, but there are specimens up to 50 m or more in height. The absence of roughness and deep cracks in the bark is a kind of protection for trees from pest damage. The crown has a slightly elongated ovoid shape, which is formed by long arcuate shoots directed upwards. The leaves are dark green, unequal-pinnate, consisting of several lanceolate, opposite leaflets, located on thin grooved cuttings. 9-15 small leaves grow on one cutting.

Flowers appear in spring, both male and female are located on the tree, as well as bisexual inflorescences in the form of thin fluffy panicles of brown, purple or yellowish color. They have no perianths. As a rule, female flowers do not have the opportunity to be pollinated, since male flowers begin to bloom later, so self-pollination of trees is unlikely. Ash rarely attracts insects due to its lack of fragrance. Some types of ash in March and April give a sweet juice that stands out when cutting branches and bark. Under natural conditions, seed ripening is possible only with several trees growing nearby. Foliage rarely turns yellow, flying around in autumn, remains green.

The fruits of ash trees are rounded, elliptical lionfish about 4 cm in size, which contain small nuts inside. On the branches they remain hanging until the middle of winter. In many species, nuts are edible, as they contain a large amount of protein. In England, for example, pickled spicy seasoning for meat is prepared from such fruits. In the Caucasus, nuts are included in many national dishes.

Ash trees are often straight-stemmed and slender trees, with a girth not exceeding 1 m. The average life span is about 80–100 years, fruiting begins at 25–30 years. There are also centenarians among them - up to 250-300 years. Trees that are solitary and well-lit by the sun live longer; they die early from a lack of light in dense forests.

Most varieties tolerate cold well, but young trees can suffer from severe frosts, especially during a snowless period.

Popular types

Ash distribution range includes North America, Europe and Asia. In the temperate and southern latitudes of our country, common ash (high) is more common, but other species can also grow: Manchu, bent-fruited.

Ordinary

Fraxinus excelsior - common ash - grows in Central and Western Europe, the temperate climatic zone of Russia, the Caucasus, Iran. It is found in mixed and deciduous forests, planted in parks, alleys, squares. D trees of this species rise up to 25–30 m in height, some giants grow up to 40 m. The crown is spreading and openwork. The leaf of common ash reaches 40 cm, consists of narrow bright green leaves 6–9 cm long oppositely located on the handle. The bark of the tree is greenish-gray, cracked with age. Flowers appear early - in April, even before the buds open.

American

Grows in the eastern part of the North American continent. This tree is distinguished by the shape of compound leaves - wider and shorter than those of ordinary ash, with jagged edges. The inflorescences are long and fluffy, the fruits are about 3 cm in size. The crown of the American species is light green and wide. The growth of trunks - up to 40 m and more. The bark is silvery or whitish, smooth.

Fluffy

This species is also called Pennsylvania. It is a frost-resistant and moisture-loving breed, grows up to 20 m, is very picky about lighting, and quickly dies in the shade of other trees. Young shoots are covered with a velvety fluff, the foliage is matte, dark green, slightly lighter on the back and also slightly pubescent. The bark is brown-brown, the spring inflorescences are yellow-green and almost round. Pennsylvania ash is a long-liver, in favorable conditions it grows up to 300–350 years.

Manchurian

The homeland of this species is the Far East: its Russian part, as well as China, Japan and Korea. Manchurian, or Chinese, ash is large - its trunks rise to 35–40 m, in diameter - up to 2 m. The leaves are very large - individual leaves up to 12 cm long and 7 cm wide make up a brush up to 50 cm on the handle. ash is very thick and ribbed, grey-green in color.

black ash

One of the few species that does not bloom. His homeland is the east coast of the United States, swampy places and floodplains. The tree got its name for the unusual color of the wood - it really has a dark, almost black color. This ash loves moisture very much and is sensitive to its lack.

Landing and care

In the natural environment, plantations with a predominance of ash species are important for strengthening slopes and ravines. Their powerful, branched root system keeps the soil layers from shedding and helps protect them from drying out by concentrating moisture. In addition, decorative qualities and ash wood are of value.

Resistance to pests, air pollution, unpretentious care, beautiful appearance make various types of ash a real find for landscaping parks and gardens. For landscaping, common, American or fluffy species that do not form a dense shade are best suited. There are also special decorative varieties bred specifically for urban conditions.

You can also plant ash trees in your own backyard. Germination of seeds for this is not the best method, the result will have to wait a very long time. You can get beautiful trees faster when planting ready-made seedlings. The main requirements for growth conditions: well-lit sunny places, non-acidified soil.

Pits are prepared for planting, three times the volume of root clods of seedlings. Drainage made of stone and sand is laid inside, filling the recesses with it by about ¼, moisten the soil. If there are several seedlings, the distance between the pits should be at least 5 m. After planting, an earthen lump about 15 cm high is compacted near the trunk. To ensure direct growth, it is useful to strengthen the trees with pegs. Around the trunk, it is necessary to pour a mulch that warms the roots: wood chips, sawdust, pine needles. Young ash trees in the first 3-4 years of life are especially in need of warming before winter, as severe frosts can kill them. Subsequently, mulching is stopped.

If the soil is fertile, ash trees grow quickly - they stretch up to 40 cm per year. The crown also forms rapidly, spreading out in breadth. It is necessary to give it a well-groomed appearance by pruning in early spring, before the onset of active vegetation, before flowering.

In spring and autumn, trees need to be fed:

• in April it can be a mixture of manure, urea, ammonium or calcium nitrate, diluted in water;
• in October, the trees are watered with Kemira Universal fertilizer in a ratio of 20 g per 20 liters of water.

Seedlings need special watering only in dry weather. Ash roots are able to extract water from great depths. Waterlogging can adversely affect their condition, causing shoots to rot. If such signs are noticed, the diseased branches should be cut off, the cuts should be treated with crushed activated carbon and the water regime should be reviewed.

Pests rarely appear on the bark and shoots of ash trees. In case of damage by a bark beetle or an ash scapula, the trees are treated with special insecticides.

Characteristics and application of wood

Ash wood is highly durable and has a beautiful contrasting texture. The sapwood bends well. Annual rings, wavy grain, different density of early and late layers and differences in color within one log provide the material with an original beautiful pattern. The surface on the cuts is matte, the ash does not have a pronounced sheen.

The density of wood is about 680 kg / m³, in terms of strength, ash is superior to oak. It is not easy to split or process wood with hand tools due to its hardness and uneven anatomical structure. However, this material perfectly holds different types of fasteners: nails, staples and screws.

Biostability is much superior to other types of wood. With age, resistance to fungus and other pathogens increases.

The disadvantages include severe shrinkage during processing and possible swelling during operation. For this reason, lumber requires careful protective treatment. In addition, the high density of ash prevents uniform dyeing of the fibers with tinting agents. But properly dried and prepared material is durable - it serves for many years without deformation.

Ash wood of Russian origin can sometimes suffer from internal rot due to the formation of frost cracks in old trunks.

In ancient times, tools, clubs, horns, bows, arrows and stakes used in hunting and battles were made from durable ash wood. The boards were used in shipbuilding, the production of sledges and carriages, they turned dishes from solid wood, bent rocker arms, wheel rims, made clamps and ax handles.

In modern industry, ash wood is used to cut facing veneer, parquet, produce bent and carved furniture, sports equipment, elements of weaving machine mechanisms, and gun stocks.

A beautiful motley pattern and a matte silky surface of an array of ash trunks and roots are of artistic value. The material is used for turning various figures and sculptures.

For technical purposes, the bark and foliage are also used. Dyes, tanning solutions, natural medicines are made from them. In rural areas, where ash is common, the leaves are given to feed livestock.

According to legend, the ancient Greek gods considered it quite suitable material for creating a person. And in the poem "Works and Days", written by Hesiod, it is told that Zeus created people from the shaft of his spear. It is known that the gunsmiths of ancient Greece carved them from ash wood.

In ancient Greece, it was considered a symbol of righteous retribution. Probably for this reason, the goddess of retribution - punishing Nemesis - was often depicted in paintings with an ash branch in her hand. Some peoples believed that poisonous snakes were very afraid of the ash tree, in particular its juice. There was a belief that if you soak a shirt with ash juice, dry it and put it on, you can protect yourself from poisonous bites.

In the Caucasus, this is one of the revered trees. From generation to generation, the highlanders guarded not only individual trees, but also their entire plantings. Here they performed sacrificial rites. This did not require bloody rewards, the ash tree was satisfied with dairy products brought to it.

In this article we will tell you where the ash tree grows, what it looks like. You might be interested to know how it is used.

Ash (tree): types

Today there are more than fifty varieties of these trees. The following are the most common in the world:

• American Ash- grows in the east of North America. Prefers deciduous forests and nutrient-rich, well-drained moist soils. It occurs on the slopes of mountains (up to 1050 m above sea level), on the hills.
• Flower ash (white)- distributed in the European territory of Russia, in Western Europe, in the Middle East. It is a photophilous xero-mesophyte of deciduous forests.
• Ash lanceolate (green)- another plant representing the genus Ash. It occurs naturally in eastern North America. In the 18th century, it was introduced into culture and subsequently spread quite widely. In deciduous forests, it forms dense plantations, grows along the banks of water bodies, on wet hills and uplands.
• common ash- often found in the European part of our country, in the forests of the Caucasus and Crimea, in Western Europe, and the Mediterranean. Grows in deciduous forests on carbonate fertile soils.

• Downy ash (Pennsylvania)- Widespread in North America. Inhabits river banks, feels comfortable on floodplains.
• Manchurian ash- a powerful tree with a height of more than thirty meters and a trunk diameter exceeding a meter. Distributed in the Far East, East Asia. Widely represented in many reserves.
• Ash black- found in the eastern regions of North America. The tree grows up to twenty-five meters. It grows in mixed plantations along the banks of streams and lakes. This species tolerates a slight stagnant water. Rarely forms pure stands.
• ash-tree- a small tree, no more than twelve meters high. The trunk is about thirty centimeters in diameter. Distributed in the Far East, East Asia. It is grown in some Far Eastern reserves.

American ash (tree): description

Slender and tall tree (up to forty meters). The crown is wide, ovoid. The branches are bare, only young branches have a slight pubescence of a greenish-brown color with a reddish tint. Later they acquire a light orange color. Sometimes it can be gray or brown.

Leaves and flowers

The leaf of the tree deserves special attention. Ash has rather large plates, the length of which is about thirty centimeters. Leaflets with serrated or entire margins. Their shape is oblong-oval or oblong-elliptical. The leaf is complex, consisting of five to nine plates. Their length is not more than fifteen centimeters, width - about five centimeters.

They are located on small petioles (0.4-0.8 cm). The upper side of the plate is colored dark green, with depressed veins, the lower part is much lighter. It has a cellular or smooth structure. Pistillate inflorescences can reach ten centimeters in length. The cup looks good.

Fruit

American ash, the photo of which we posted in this article, has lionfish fruits. Their length can vary from 2.4 to 3.4 cm. Nuts are slightly less than half of the lionfish in length. They have a regular cylindrical shape, the wings are not bordered.

American ash blooms from mid-April to early May (before the leaves appear). At that moment, when the stigmas of female flowers are ready to receive pollen, male neighboring flowers have not yet fully matured. Therefore, they are fertilized by pollen from other trees. Fruiting from August to October.

They are rich in fats (up to 30%), so people have been eating them for a long time. In England in the 18th century, they were preserved unripe and used as a savory seasoning for meat and vegetable dishes. In spring, the tree secretes sweet juice, which is used as a substitute for sucrose.

On fertile soils, American ash, the photo of which you see in the article, grows quickly. The plant is frost-resistant, but sometimes late spring frosts harm it. The tree bears fruit from twenty-five to forty years. Spreads by self-seeding, quite often runs wild.

Soils

American ash is not too picky about soils, but prefers slightly acidic fertile soils. It also thrives in wetlands. Does not tolerate drought well. Most often adjacent to alder, oak, maple. Very rarely forms frequent plantings. Well adapted to the conditions of the city. In the USA it is used as an ornamental plant.

reproduction

Under natural conditions, American ash is propagated by layering, stumps and seeds. In artificial plantations, seeds that are previously subjected to stratification are more often used.

Use in medicine

Since ancient times, the respiratory organs and radiculitis have been treated with ash bark and leaves. Often used as a laxative and diuretic and as a complete substitute for quinine. Serenus Samonicus (a Roman physician) described in his works the use of ash seeds for the treatment of coughs, dropsy, and liver diseases. and the Greeks claimed that the sap of the ash tree was able to heal snake bites.

Today, American ash is used in homeopathy and traditional medicine. For the manufacture of medicines, the bark, leaves and fruits of the ash tree are used. The bark is harvested in spring, and the leaves in early summer. The leaves contain:

• organic acids;
• carbohydrates;
• essential oils;
• carotene;
• saloons;
• vitamin C;
• tannins.

No less useful substances are contained in the bark:

• phenols;
• carbohydrates;
• coumarins;
• alkaloids;
• flavonoids.

Preparations based on ash have tonic and hemostatic, astringent and antipyretic, diuretic and laxative, antispasmodic and antimicrobial, antitussive and antirheumatic properties.

Fruit tincture is used externally for varicose veins. The juice is used to produce mannitol, which, when dried, is used in the diet of diabetic patients. However, we must not forget that ash pollen is the strongest allergen that can provoke the development of contact dermatitis.

• This tree has several popular names - holly, ash-tree, ash-tree. Often adjacent to oak and maple. Watching the ash and oak in the spring, people said that if the first leaves appear on the oak first, then the summer will be dry.
• The ancient Greeks used the juice of ash leaves to heal wounds after being bitten by poisonous snakes.
• The juice obtained from the branches was instilled into the eyes to improve vision and give them shine.
• In Rus', ash bark was used to fight malaria and fever. Many peoples worshiped ash. It was called the "tree of knowledge", considered a symbol of life and wisdom.
• In the folklore of Ukraine, he personified suffering. Among the ancient Scandinavians, the forces of nature personified a huge ash tree that supported the vault of heaven.
• In magic, he became the personification of good and evil. Psychics believe that the tree has powerful energy.
• In the 19th century, the word "ash" was used in the feminine.

A variety of plant cultures grow throughout our planet. And a significant number of them have long been used by people for medicinal purposes. On their basis, a variety of drugs were prepared, which helped to cope with even very serious diseases. For therapeutic purposes, small herbs, large bushes and even large trees were used. The ash tree, familiar to all of us, can be attributed just to the latter. Let's talk about the features of this culture and its unique qualities in a little more detail.

Ash is a tree quite common in the expanses of our country, and historically it turned out that in all territories where this culture grows, it has found its application, including for the treatment of various kinds of diseases.

This is ash (photo):

What does ash look like? Tree Description

The height of the ash tree can reach thirty meters. This plant is quite easy to recognize, thanks to its characteristic pinnate leaves and specific black dots. Ash leaves are opposite, they develop only after flowering. On the branches, the foliage alternates crosswise, one branch can have from seven to thirteen leaves on itself.

Most often, ash flowers do not have a corolla, as well as a calyx, but they have red stamens. Flowers are collected in bunches.

On the ash tree, fruits are formed that have a lionfish tongue, they are located in hanging panicles. At first, their color is green, and then changes to brown.

The plant begins to bloom in the month of April, and the fruits on it develop only in November.

Where does ash grow in nature?

Ash can be found in Europe and the Caucasus, it also grows in the Mediterranean and in Asia Minor. As for Russia, this tree is found quite often in our country. Its range includes the European part of the state. Ash can also be found in the Crimea and Moldova, it grows in Ukraine and the Caucasus.

Most often, this culture settles on a variety of soils, including wetlands. The usual neighbor of an ash tree is an alder. This tree is not inclined to form pure stands, becoming part of broad-leaved and mixed forests. It can be found in cutting areas or clearings.

How to improve health using ash? Application for treatment

The unique healing qualities of ash are due to its well-balanced composition. The main active substances of this culture are considered to be essential oils, tannins, coumarins, resins, bitterness, flavonoids, and gum.

Ash has long been used in traditional medicine recipes, our ancestors used it almost completely - and leaves, and bark, and roots, and flowers and seeds. Based on it, medicines were prepared for fever and various inflammatory processes. Preparations from such a tree still have excellent astringent qualities. They help the speedy healing of various wounds and are characterized by diuretic properties. The consumption of medicines based on ash helps to cope with painful sensations of various etiologies, as well as achieve a mild laxative effect.

Different parts of this tree can be used to prepare infusions and decoctions; powder and medicinal tea are also prepared from them. Leaf decoctions are often advised to be used for the preparation of compresses intended for the treatment of sciatica, osteochondrosis, and rheumatism.

A decoction prepared from fresh leaves is great for treating wounds, bruises and severe bruises. Such remedies and compresses remarkably eliminate unpleasant painful sensations, cope with increased swelling and significantly accelerate the healing process.

To correct pyelonephritis, cystitis and urolithiasis, it is worth consuming an infusion prepared on the basis of ash roots. A similar remedy also helps to cope with uterine bleeding and hemorrhoids.

Ash preparations are also quite often used to eliminate helminthic invasions. There are recipes that allow the use of such drugs in cough therapy.

Tea brewed from ash leaves is used to achieve a diuretic effect. Such a tool remarkably eliminates excess fluid from the body. As for the powder obtained from the seeds of this tree, it also has a diuretic and, in addition, also a diaphoretic effect.

An infusion based on ash buds is advised to take for the treatment of gout. In addition, this tool helps to cope with bladder ailments and primordially female diseases. A mixture made up of different parts of the plant can be used to treat arthritis.

Additional Information

It should be borne in mind that although ash has a number of useful qualities, nevertheless, this plant is poisonous. Accordingly, its use is possible only with extreme caution, in addition, such therapy requires agreement with the attending physician. Among other things, ash-based preparations are categorically contraindicated in hypertension, childbearing and breastfeeding. You also need to consider the likelihood of developing allergic reactions.

Ash is a tree familiar to many from early childhood. You can see this tree not only in the photo on the Internet and in the directory of trees, but also in bright pictures in children's books. The tree grows well in the Russian Central Strip and in more northern regions. It attracts attention with its majestic appearance. Many folk and author's poems and songs have been written about him.

In contact with

Classmates

At the sight of this tree, many people immediately recall a simple song from the film "The Irony of Fate" about how a lover turned to him in search of his soulmate.

However, few people know that this tree not only decorates gardens and parks. Wood is used to make a wide variety of wood products. And from the leaves they prepare healing decoctions and infusions, which are used in folk medicine to treat various diseases. Description and photos of this tree can be easily found on the Internet and in specialized literature.

What does ash look like

The description of the tree goes something like this:

The sprawling handsome man is actively used in landscape design. This tree looks beautiful both in winter and in summer. The openwork foliage creates a light shadow, and in autumn its spiky leaves are painted in bright colors. He, along with birch, is one of the symbols of Russia. Seedlings for planting in a summer cottage can be purchased at nurseries. Of course, you can try to grow it from seeds, but this is a rather troublesome business. The seedling will develop much faster, the main thing is to create favorable conditions for it. Recently, many summer residents have been planting ash simply because this tree looks very beautiful.

Where the ash tree grows

In nature, there are many types of this tree. Different types of this tree grow in different countries. In Russia, it grows in the deciduous forests of the Middle Strip and other nearby regions; it can also be found in the south. Since ancient times, this tree has grown in the countries of Eastern and Western Europe. The myths and legends of the ancient Greeks, Romans and Vikings, which mention this tree, indicate that it has grown in the territory of Rome, Greece and the Scandinavian countries since time immemorial.

In America, this tree also grew, but not so everywhere. There grew their own, local varieties of this tree. However, after Christopher Columbus discovered America, and immigrants from Europe began to migrate there en masse, some species of European ash were also brought to the United States. Europeans took fruits and seeds of their favorite plants of all kinds with them on a long journey, and then planted these seeds in a new place.

And on the territory of Russia, this representative of the flora grows not only in forests. It is often planted:

Ash bark and leaves: use in traditional medicine

Tree leaves have been used in folk medicine for centuries. From the dried leaves prepare a variety of decoctions and infusions for internal use. You can use medicinal raw materials from dried leaves separately or as part of herbal preparations. The bark of the tree also has healing properties, our ancestors also knew about this from ancient times. Medicinal raw materials from dry leaves and crushed bark are used in the following cases:

Medicinal raw materials made from leaves and bark effectively relieve inflammation, have an antiseptic effect, promote wound healing and tighten scars.

In occult medicine, it was traditionally believed that decoctions and infusions from the leaves “clarify” the mind, that is, enlighten thoughts. On the day of Ivan Kupala, folk healers and sorcerers went at midnight to collect medicinal herbs, and always brought with them, among other herbs and leaves. Livestock were whipped with branches to keep them healthy all year round.

Ash is not only leaves with medicinal properties, but also valuable wood. It is believed that wood is very durable and resistant to external influences. Also, wood has a beautiful, noble color, so furniture and other household items made of ash do not need to be painted, just cover them with a colorless varnish.

Craftsmen create real miracles from wood. Despite its hardness and resistance to external influences, ash wood is quite resilient, and therefore it is easy to work with it, for this you do not need to make special efforts. In Rus', from time immemorial, buckwheat (blanks for wooden spoons), children's toys and, of course, furniture were made from ash wood. It also makes very good, elastic bows and crossbows. Sports equipment is also made from ash wood. The tree is used even in the aviation industry: important parts for aircraft are turned from it on a lathe.

Ash furniture is very popular due to its good quality and affordable price. Also, window frames are still made from this tree. Many owners of private apiaries still make houses for bees, because ash wood has bactericidal properties, and the bees living in such houses almost do not get sick.

Ash in the folklore of different peoples

Since ancient times, ash has been mentioned in folk art among representatives of different countries. So, one Lithuanian pagan legend tells that once people angered the gods with their evil deeds. The gods descended to earth to punish people, and decided to arrange a joint council to choose a punishment. But they could not find a place to sit and confer. Seeing a sprawling tree with its openwork crown, the gods immediately sat down in its shadow. They sat for a long time. In the end, the gods enjoyed relaxing in the lace shade so much that they decided not to punish people and retire to heaven again.

In ancient Rome and ancient Greece, ash has long been considered the tree of the sea god Neptune (in Greek mythology, Poseidon). Boats, ships and ship gear were very often made of ash, as it was believed that a ship made of ash wood would never sink. This belief was preserved for a long time in medieval Europe, until the era of the Great Geographical Discoveries. It is known that when the mass migration of Europeans to America discovered by Columbus began, the Europeans took with them “for good luck” branches, pieces of bark and ash seeds. People sincerely believed that these miraculous talismans would help them sail safely to a distant land.

One of the legends of the indigenous people of America, the Indians, tells that once upon a time there were neither people nor animals on earth, but only water. The bird brought a piece of land and built a nest on the water, and then a small island appeared from this nest. A large ash tree grew on the island. When it began to bloom and bear fruit, the first people appeared from its seeds - the distant ancestors of modern people.

All these beautiful legends and tales testify to the fact that ash is one of the most beloved trees in the people. It is loved for its beauty, for its medicinal properties and for its durable wood, from which anything can be made.

It is undoubtedly worth planting an ash tree in a personal plot. One look at this tree cheers up and reminds a person of how beautiful the nature created by God is. You can look into the gap of the lacy ash leaves at the blue sky indefinitely, and each time a new picture, unlike the previous one, will open up to your eyes.

Also, the leaves, fruits and ash tree should definitely be shown to the child, and then the kid from childhood will learn to love the wildlife of his native land. The lacy foliage of the ash tree against the backdrop of a bright blue sky is a real miracle.

Ash is considered the tree of peace. This tree can drive away evil spirits, connect two people.

Various amulets are made from the bark. A fast growing tree easily adapts to weather conditions and is unpretentious.

What an ash tree looks like, what leaves and fruits it has, photos, pictures and a description you will find in our article.

Description and features

Common ash can grow up to 45 m in height and live for more than 300 years. Belongs to the Maslinov family. The crown is spreading and elongated.

The leaves are transparent, easily transmit light and move from the lightest breeze. The color gives in April or May and grows very rapidly.

The flowers have white inflorescences, sometimes it can be purple or burgundy. They do not have corollas, and male and female flowers on the same plant never ripen together.

It is important to know: You need to plant several trees side by side so that there is cross-pollination.

The rhizome is located near the surface of the earth, it lacks a tap root. But if the plant has little moisture, then it appears. The tree will survive in any conditions, as the root system can penetrate up to 3.5 m deep, this is enough to reach the groundwater.

This ornamental plant has various shapes and sizes:

• in the form of a ball and not high;
• tall, with hanging branches;
• medium height, crown in the form of a pyramid;
• with wide branches, located horizontally.

Ash can be easily recognized by its gray, even and straight trunk, which has cracks.

Where it grows in Russia

The presence of ash can boast: the Caucasus, Ukraine, Crimea, Moldova and some regions of Russia.

In our country, ash is found in the southern part. Especially where there is a broad-leaved forest, near elm, oak and maple. Coniferous-deciduous forests may have single ash trees. Also in river valleys, near a lake or stream.

Sometimes found on the edge, in open sunny areas.

Seen in Yaroslavl, on the right bank of the Volga, in St. Petersburg, on the Medveditsa River and on the Volga Upland.

Growing a tree

In order for the tree to take root and grow quickly, the soil must be:

• fertile;
• drained;
• saturated with calcium;
• neutral;
• not salted;
• not waterlogged.

Advice: if the soil is alkaline or acidic, then the ash tree will not take root.

The best soil composition is humus, sand and leafy soil (there should be more humus). It is especially important that the seat has enough sunlight.

Sprouted ash seeds

The plant propagates by seeds and seedlings. Near the tree there is always a young shoot, which is taken for transplanting and updating the garden.

In order to plant a seedling, you need:

1. Dig a hole that is three times the size of an earthen clod on its root system;
2. We make drainage in it (pebbles, crushed stone, sand are poured in);
3. Pour the hole with plenty of water;
4. We make a support around it, which will fix the plant in an even vertical position;
5. We place a seedling in a hole, fix it and sprinkle it with earth;
6. We ram the soil;
7. We mulch. This can be done with peat, sawdust or wood chips.

If you are planting several plants, then you should not place them next to each other, as they will obscure their neighbors.

Care

The plant does not require special care. But in order for the tree to grow and not hurt, you need:

1. Fertilize the plant twice a year. IN the autumn period is suitable "Nitroammophoska" or "Kemira-universal". In the spring - ammonium and calcium nitrate, manure;
2. Be sure to remove dry and broken branches. It is not worth pruning, as the tree does not like it;
3. All young seedlings, and those that have not reached 3 years old, are mulched in late autumn. If the winter is very frosty, then this can be done for an adult plant;
4. After the seedling is transplanted, it must be watered for a week. In the future, this procedure is carried out if necessary, if there is a severe drought.

If you follow these simple rules, then your garden will be blooming and inspiring.

Pests and diseases

Pests such as Spanish fly, ash leafworm, corrosive woodworm, ash beetle, April beetle, ash weevil-seed eater can harm the plant.

To prevent any damage, trees should be sprayed with insecticides. For this, "", "Kinmiks" or "Uarbofos" are suitable.

Remember: all damaged branches are removed and burned.

Among the diseases, the danger for the ash tree is: infectious necrosis, cytophomic cancer, true tinder fungus, white finely cracked butt rot. To prevent or get rid of infection, you need to treat with a special one.

reproduction

The tree propagates by seeds, layering and shoots.

Self-sowing is always plentiful, which makes it possible for a person to dig up a seedling and transfer it to another, more suitable place for its growth. You can make a felling, as a result of which there is a shoot from the stump.

How to prune overgrowth

Keep in mind: if you plant a seed in the ground, then you will have to wait for a tall tree for a long time. Therefore, it is advisable to grow a plant in the garden already from a grown seedling.

Ash seed is an oblong lanceolate lionfish rounded on one side. Seed ripening comes in October, September. On the tree can be throughout the winter.

Application

Ash is used very widely in various fields. The wood is strong, bends well, does not chip or flake.

From ash they make:

• medications;
• sports equipment (bats, rackets, skis, oars, sticks, etc.);
• butts for weapons;
• paint (brown, black, blue);
• furniture;
• facing veneer;
• parquet;
• railing;
• plinth;
• window frames;
• hives.

Good to know: ash has a strong and silky wood, on which artists are very fond of painting.

Also used in food as a condiment. The unripe fruit is marinated and served with meat or other dishes. The leaves are also fed to cattle.

Medicinal properties and interesting facts

In medicine, it is used as a laxative, diuretic, antirheumatic, hemostatic and anti-inflammatory agent. The people often use ash for the treatment of sciatica, cough, malaria, for the speedy healing of wounds. Juice helps to soften the sulfuric plug.

Here are some folk recipes from ash:

1. To make the wound heal faster, you should grind the bark of the tree along with the foliage and put it on the damage. All this is tied up. The dressing is changed three times a day.
2. If you are worried about sciatica, then you should make a decoction: 250 ml of boiling water is taken for 25 g of leaves. Insist for 30 minutes. Drink 5 ml three times a day.
3. When coughing, a decoction is also made. For 35 g of leaves - 500 ml of boiling water. Drink three times a day for 100 g.
4. To soften the sulfur plug, 2-3 drops should be instilled several times a day.
5. To strengthen the immune system, it is advisable to use 100 g of decoction of ash bark 2-4 times a day for 1-2 weeks.

Useful substances that are in this plant can cure many diseases.

Interesting fact: ash is considered a magical tree that has supernatural powers. Allegedly, it can protect from evil and become a conductor between the worlds.

Ash is a unique tree that is not only beautiful, but also very valuable. Its main feature is that parts can be used: bark, leaves, root and seeds. Such a useful tree should not be in your collection.

See the following video for the history of the ash tree: