The ash tree , considered by ancient beliefs to be the "tree of good luck," is deciduous and native to Europe. It has branches and very durable wood. Its foliage is dense, it possesses medicinal properties, and its lifespan can reach 100 years. Discover it here.
ash tree
The beautiful and balanced ash tree is the perfect tree plant, if you have the desire to decorate a green area, due to its many attractions and benefits. It is native to Europe and its main territory of evolution, development and growth are the countries of Spain and Portugal. However, in a scattered way, it is possible to view it in North American nations, as well as in other countries that have a tropical climate.
Its scientific name is " Fraxinus excelsior ," and it is characterized as a deciduous tree, meaning it has fallen leaves. These leaves will fall from the branches when the tree senses that the current season is unfavorable. It belongs to the "Oleaceae" family, which comprises a total of 24 genera of woody plants, including:
- Trees
- Shrubbery
- Vines
This tree can grow to heights of 15 to 20 meters. It also provides excellent shade. It is a dioecious species, meaning it has separate male and female flowers, each with its own distinct characteristics and coloration. The wood of the ash tree is very strong and elastic, making it highly valued in carpentry and cabinetmaking (furniture making).
Reasons that make your planting perfect
Among the reasons that make planting the ash tree excellent are the following:
- It grows in various types of soil.
- Withstands frost down to -18°C.
- Overcomes all seasons of the year.
- During the summer it provides shade and during the winter a lot of light.
- It is of great beauty, reaching to be adorned by its peculiar flowers.
Characteristics of the ash tree
The ash tree has the following characteristics to highlight:
- It is originally from Europe.
- His family is the Oleaceae.
- It is deciduous, deciduous and dioecious.
- The wood it provides is of high resistance and quality. Having the record of its use by the Romans, in the manufacture of wire fences, as well as as a mold for rammed earth (mud wall dried in the Sun).
- Its ability to adapt to environments easily places it in temperate climates.
- The strength of its branches and leaves allow it not to decay before the actions of the wind.
- It can reach a height of up to 20 meters.
- The cup is rounded, with a diameter of around 7 meters.
- Its branches are provided with leaves, being quite dense.
- The coloration of its leaves is bright green, turning yellow in autumn, until later they fall in winter.
- The trunk has great resistance, it is cylindrical, straight, cracked and its color is dark.
- It has the virtue of growing in all types of soils.
- Its flowers are white, without petals. Only a few filaments with a falling appearance, which are seen with great prominence in the months of April and May. Specifically when the highest temperature of this time occurs.
- The fruits are called "samaras", they are green, elongated and carry their seed internally.
Medicinal properties of the ash tree
The ash tree possesses medicinal properties, being widely used as an antipyretic to reduce fever. It is also used as a decongestant for flu-like symptoms and as a general pain reliever for the discomfort caused by these illnesses.
On the other hand, it attenuates the ailments associated with constipation, inflammation of hemorrhoids and hypertension. Its infusion is indicated as a diuretic, so it is perfect to combat stones lodged in the kidneys.
Uses or exploitation of the ash tree
The beautiful and leafy ash tree is primarily used for ornamental purposes, being planted in avenues, urban and rural areas, gardens, and other locations. In the commercial sector, it is highly sought after for carpentry work, as well as for cabinetmaking, which refers to the crafting of furniture.
These requests have been possible, thanks to its great power of resistance, durability and flexibility. On the other hand, it is quoted to satisfy the requirement referred to natural medicine, due to its excellent benefits to mitigate ailments.
Many manufacturers have cataloged it as perfect for the manufacture of implements used in sports, as well as for the production of musical instruments. Then reaching a variety of uses that make it simply perfect and requested.
Ash Tree Cultivation
The cultivation of the ash tree is carried out in a very simple way and without specialized requirements. It is only necessary that the place is wide so that it can be developed completely and extensively, in which the incidence of the Sun's rays is direct. It must be a substrate rich in nutrients, organic matter and well drained, without causing waterlogging.
For cultivation, its seeds must be scattered, taking into consideration that it is in the autumn season, because at that time the temperature fluctuates around 4°C, which is ideal for seed germination.
The time it takes to visualize such germination is approximately four months. In this sense, it should be taken into account that if the temperature were to be lower than this, nothing will happen. Simply, the seed will enter a waiting state, until it reaches the right moment and thus germinates.
Once germination is observed and the ash tree begins to grow , it will only need the regular watering given to any plant. It is necessary, however, to add a good fertilizer at least once a year to optimize the nutrients it receives through the substrate. It is worth noting that the ash tree is very little affected by pollution or pests, so its longevity is rarely diminished.
Ash tree care
The care that the ash tree should and needs includes the following:
Location
It is essential that to carry out the planting of the ash tree, it is borne in mind that for its evolution and optimal development, it must be in a place where the four seasons exist. Likewise, it must have a good incidence of the sun's rays, ventilation, rain, in itself, all the basics that the environment provides. In this sense, you have to be completely outdoors, with nothing that interferes with feeling the natural influences.
On the other hand, before locating it, it is necessary to verify the area, since it must be at least 10 meters from any construction or pipe passage. This is because the roots, during their growth and adult stage, can interfere with them, causing considerable damage, which can be avoided.
Substratum
The ash tree, like other plants or types of trees , needs for its efficient development, a substrate rich in organic matter, as well as nutrients, which is what makes a soil truly fertile for any plant.
The site where it is planted must have a balance in terms of the existence of water and drainage. Therefore, excessive flooding is not beneficial. In its initial stage of planting, it perfectly tolerates being placed in a pot, until the ideal height is reached and it is relocated directly in the substrate where it will remain for approximately 100 years.
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Irrigation
The ash tree is characterized as a tree that requires ample watering. It is also susceptible to extreme drought, which manifests itself when the leaves change color, turning brown.
Having that for them it is perfect if they receive hydration at least 3 or 4 times a week, if the heat is present. However, when you have the presence of freshness and cold in the environment, it can be watered once a week and it will be enough.
Subscriber, pruning and resistance
It is recommended that fertilization be carried out at least once during the twelve months of the year. Being perfect, if it is done during the spring and also during the summer. With what the maximum beauty and health of this arboreal plant will be achieved.
Pruning is not strictly required for the ash tree , as it is deciduous and its leaves will fall at the end of autumn, its most unfavorable time. However, if any dry branches are observed at the end of winter, they can be removed without causing any damage to the tree. Furthermore, this tree is known for its hardiness, easily withstanding frosts down to -18°C.
