Best time to see: all year
Key facts
A spreading tree with smooth grey bark and ascending branches, up to 45m; pinnate leaves have up to 13 leaflets
Small reddish flowers in clusters open in April before the leaves; winged fruit ripen in October
A woodland tree preferring heavy, alkaline soils and comparatively short-lived – usually not more than 200 years
![](../images/plants/ash leaves & keys (AG).jpg)
© Tony Gunton
![](../images/plants/ancient ash (AG).jpg)
© Tony Gunton