European Ash / European Ash

Names and distribution:

The European ash(Fraxinus excelsior) is widespread in Central Europe as far as the Near East; other ash species are found in North America and Asia. The native ash is a typical mixed tree species, associated with beech and oak. Ash only forms pure stands in moist, well-watered locations (e.g. in riparian forests). American ash trees are distributed across the southern to central part of North America. The swamp ash, a particularly light variety from the riparian forests of the Mississippi, occupies a special position.

Wooden picture:

Sapwood white and broad, heartwood olive-brown, irregularly marked by zones of varying color depth, cloudy or striped. Pores in earlywood coarse, arranged in a ring and strongly separated from the latewood. Latewood pores practically unrecognizable without tools. Medullary rays inconspicuous; moderately decorative.

Properties:

The specific weight of European ash is given as 0.69 ^t/m3 at a wood moisture content of 12%. The wood shrinks moderately, the tangential shrinkage is 8.2%, the radial shrinkage 4.8%. Drying is unproblematic. Slightly aromatic smell when fresh. Overall easy to work with all tools. The Brinell hardness is given as 37-41 and would therefore be higher than that of oak (34). Ash wood is known for its bending stiffness: the modulus of elasticity is on average (only) 13,400 ^N/mm2.
Ash is not weather resistant (class 5).

Processing instructions:

When wetted with water, freshly planed wood exudes yellowish substances (to be observed when used in exterior construction). If this is not tolerated, Vitex must be brushed off with water and oiled. After washing out the ingredients, the wood is slightly lightened and free of secretions.

Use:

Furniture, parquet flooring, sports equipment, sports bows / longbows, drumsticks, handles, wood for woodturning.

Replaces: Teak and other trop. Hardwoods, etc.

Note: according to the latest findings, but excluding any liability

Picture 1: European ash, rift cut
Picture 2: European ash, plank look
Picture 3: in comparison: americ. Ash

References