The Ash tree has followed in the footsteps of man since prehistoric times. Foraging, medicinal, tool handles, bow wood, it was said to have the power to protect from snakes.
An everyday tree
Ash trees can be found along meadows, along roadsides, mixed with oak trees in forests, on fresh and deep fertile soils. Common everywhere in France, except the Mediterranean region, they have been part of people's daily lives for a long time. Of the Oleaceae family, three species of Ash are found in Europe, including the high Ash, Fraxinus excelsior. A popular tree with many uses, it can exceed 35 meters in height, straight, slender, flexible, young among its own kind, hardly exceeding two hundred years.
Ash recipes
The ash tree, renowned in the past, is back in fashion. A sparkling drink to be consumed fresh, it is concocted from infused leaves. Sugar and yeast are added, after a time of fermentation in carboys the juice obtained is preserved in pressure bottles.
The "bird's tongues", fruits or samaras of the ash trees, are prepared, still green, as condiments after being boiled and put in brine or vinegar.
From the memory of the breeder, the Ash foliage was used to feed the animals, in vegetation but also dried as a complement to the winter fodder. The characteristic silhouettes of pruned and re-pruned ash trees, known as trognes or pollards, still stand in hedges and forests.
Medicinal properties, the tree of centenarians
The Ash is reputed to act against joint pain and is used in the composition of "centenarian" teas. The leaves in infusion, the fruits rather in decoction, are indeed antirheumatic, antigouty, but also diuretic, tonic, laxative, sudorific.
The bark, renowned for its febrifuge properties, was worth naming the Ash the Quinquina of Europe. It is also cited for its astringent, tonic and expectorant properties. The juice extracted from the leaves would be an interesting antivenom to study.
Uses of Ash
Although Ash wood is moderately hard, it is very supple and elastic, strong and resistant to bending and shocks. It is particularly suitable for making handles, shovels, picks, etc. Its qualities allow it to be used in veneers, in carpentry, but also for oars, rifle butts, clogs, bending wood... The burls and roots are appreciated in cabinet making, it also turns very well. And if it is not worked, it becomes firewood or coal, of quality. And among its many qualities, we can add its dyeing use, the bark of the branches gives a beautiful greenish color.
Some stories...
If its branches were used as a magic wand, the Ash would have had the power to keep away snakes, which feared its shadow, its leaves on the ground. Legend that deserves to be studied...
It is also found in the tales and legends of trees, its powerful roots, its solid foundation, its top slung towards the sky have earned it the right to be assimilated to Yggdrasil, the mythical world tree, more often corresponding to the Yew or the Oak.
Today's Ash in its relationship with man can find a new place in parks and gardens, as much for its uses as for its ornamental qualities.
