Ash Tree

Ash trees(Fraxinus spp.) are a genus of trees that are large, deciduous trees with compound leaves. They can be found throughout the world, with many species being native to North America. The White Ash (Fraxinus americana) and Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) are the most common ash species in the northeastern and Midwestern states. The blue ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata) is contained mostly in the Midwest.

There are other species, but we are concerned with the genus as a whole and won't concern ourselves here with learning to identify each individual species. For us right now it is enough to be able to say, hey this is an Ash.

Ash tree can easily reach to over 50 feet in height. Ash trees have red or black buds at the end of branches which will form purple or green flowers in the spring. As mentioned the leaves are compound leaves. They individual leaves resemble those of a hickory tree. A key difference between the two is Hickory trees arrange the leaves in an alternating manner, whereas Ash trees will always grow their leaves in an opposite manner. This means two leaves with leaflets will grow out of the branch directly opposite from each other.

Ash leaves are lightly toothed. The fruits are born in a 'Samsara' just like a Maple does. The small winged seeds are abspringtimeout 4 times longer than they are wide.

The long seeds and the very young shoots can be picked and eaten. The springtime would be the only part of the year when both of these parts are available. These can be eaten raw, but will taste better if first cooked. Salads, soups or stir fry are the preferred methods. Some people go as far as to pickle the seeds and use them in salads that way.

Ash keys do have some astringent properties, so they should not be consumed in great quantities for long periods of time. Don't let this discourage you though from eating them. They are safe to eat but like a lot of foods you eat, not all are designed to be eaten in really large quantities.

Quick hint: the younger the seeds the better they will taste. As they get older the also become more woody and fibrous.