Fraxinus Excelsior or the Common Ash is a large deciduous tree growing to 65 - 115ft (exceptionally to 150ft) tall with a trunk up to 6ft (exceptionally to 11ft) diameter. The shoots are stout, greenish-grey, with jet black buds (which distinguish it from most other ash species, which have grey or brown buds).
Ash timber is hard, tough and very hard-wearing. However, it lacks oak's natural resistance to decay, and is not as suitable for posts buried in the ground. Because of its high flexibility, shock-resistance and resistance to splitting Ash wood is the traditional material for bows, tool handles, especially for hammers and axes, tennis rackets and snooker cue sticks. Ash is valuable as firewood because it burns well even when 'green' (freshly cut).
In Norse mythology, a mythological ash tree called Yggdrasil serves as the center of the world. Its roots were anchored in the abyss of the underworld, and watered by the streams of wisdom and faith. Its trunk was supported by the earth, while its crown touched the arc of heaven.