Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Fraxinus excelsior
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| Common Names: |
Common Ash, Ash Tree
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| Key Name: |
European Ash
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| Parts Used: |
Bark, leaves, seeds
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| Sister Plants: |
Fraxinus americana, Frainus pennsylvanica, Fraxinus ornus
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| Comments: |
Hardwood tree with ecological value; attracts pollinators globally
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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
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| Stem: |
Smooth grey in youth, fissured and flaky with age
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| Leaves: |
Pinnate, 8-12 inches, with 7-13 oval leaflets, dark green
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| Flowers: |
Purple-black flower clusters, blooming April-May
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| Fruit: |
Winged samaras, 1-2 inches, green turning brown
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| Taste: |
Bitter (bark), mild (seeds)
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| Odour: |
Slightly earthy scent from flowers
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| Root: |
Deep taproot with lateral spread; prevents erosion
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| Image URL: |
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Europe, Western Asia, naturalized elsewhere
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| Cultivation: |
Prefers well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade; propagate by seed
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| Harvest: |
Bark: Spring from pruned branches; Leaves: Early summer; Seeds: Fall
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Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Astringent, diuretic, laxative, anti-inflammatory
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| Medical Uses: |
Used for arthritis, rheumatism, edema, constipation, and as a mild diuretic; bark for fever
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| Constituents: |
Tannins, coumarins, mannitol, fraxin
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| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (tincture), glycerin
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| Dosage: |
Bark tincture: 5-10 drops in water 2-3 times daily; Leaves: 1 tsp dried in tea
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| Administration: |
Internal: Tincture or infusion; External: Poultice for inflammation
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| Formulas: |
Combine with willow for joint pain; with dandelion for diuretic effect
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| Contra Indications: |
May cause allergic reactions or digestive upset; avoid in pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
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| 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
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| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
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| Veterinary: |
Used for swelling or wound treatment in livestock
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| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
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| Pollinator: |
1
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| Pollen: |
Yes
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| Pollen Notes: |
Wind-dispersed, visited by bees for pollen
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| Nectar: |
Yes
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| Nectar Notes: |
Attracts bees for nectar, supports pollinator health
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Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Wood for tools and furniture, wildlife habitat
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| Culinary Uses: |
Young leaves occasionally eaten in salads; seeds rarely consumed
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| History: |
Used in European folk medicine for centuries; valued in woodworking
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| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; European Herbal Traditions
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| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Fraxinus+excelsior
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| Share: |
Private
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