Ash Wood: Importance Throughout History

Ash trees are common in the Europe and through some of the Midwestern United States. They are easily identifiable by their opposite branching, which lines leaves branches up on either side, so each branch has a branch opposite it. Their leaves are also compounded and are feather-like. Like hickory, ash wood burns exceptionally well and it's very flexible. Although gardeners don't like this tree because of its lack of undergrowth, it can be useful in other ways.

There are four different types of ash trees in the Midwest. These are the white ash, green ash, black ash and blue ash. Blue ash is the least common of the four. Red ash also grows in the United States and is most often found along wetlands and streams.

In Europe, there are two types of ash tree, the least common of which is the mountain ash. Ash is one of the most important trees in Europe and it's referenced frequently throughout history. In fact, because of its flexibility, many cultures, including the Greeks and the Romans, planted it frequently so they could use it for their spears and other weapons. It's been used around the world for furniture and food bowls because it's an easy wood to craft with and it doesn't have a taste or an odor.

Today, ash is still used. It grows quickly and its flexible, so it's used throughout Europe for different items, including walking sticks, spade handles, hop poles and crate-making and cabinetry. It's also used for baseball bats, hockey sticks and canoe handles. In some instances, ash is also used for medicinal purposes to treat the common fever, arthritis, obesity and jaundice.

Probably the most common use of ash is as firewood. Despite the fact that it's incredibly useful and is used in a lot of products in and around homes, ash is incredibly flammable especially when seasoned. It burns even before it's fully dry, which makes it perfect for a picnic or barbecue on a slightly rainy day or just after it's been cut. It also has a low amount of resin, which keeps it from sparking and popping. The build-up of resin in chimney fire places can also start fires. Ash is also dense, so it heats more effectively.