#875 Now Sold

Ash with 24ct Gold Plated Rollerball Pen

ASH (Fraxinus Excelsior)

Ash is found across Europe, from the Arctic Circle to Turkey. It is the third most common tree in Britain.  When fully grown, ash trees can reach a height of 35 m (115 ft). They often grow together forming a domed canopy. The bark is pale brown to grey.

The leaves typically comprise 3-6 opposite pairs of light green oval leaflets with long tips, up to 40 cm (15 in) long. There is an additional singular terminal leaflet at the end. The leaves can move in the direction of sunlight, and sometimes the whole crown of the tree may lean in the direction of the sun. Another characteristic of ash leaves is that they fall when they are still green. Ash trees make the perfect habitat for a number of different species of wildlife. The airy canopy and early leaf fall allow sunlight to reach the woodland floor, providing optimum conditions for wildflowers and consequently insects. Ash bark is often covered with lichens and mosses. The leaves are an important food plant for caterpillars.

The ash tree was thought to have medicinal and mystical properties and the wood was burned to ward off evil spirits. In Norse Viking mythology, ash was referred to as the 'Tree of Life'. Even today it is sometimes known as the 'Venus of the woods'. In Britain it is regarded as a healing tree.

People have used ash timber for years. It is one of the toughest hardwoods and absorbs shocks without splintering. It is used for making tools and sports handles, including hammers, axes, spades, hockey sticks and oars. It is an attractive wood and is also used for furniture. Ash coppices well, which traditionally provided wood for firewood and charcoal.

Pen #875 was turned on 5th October 2017 at Atherstone on the Coventry Canal.

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