Ash

Common Name: Ash

Latin Name: Fraxinus excelsior

Family: Oleaceae

Ash is a member of the Olive (Oleaceae) family. The only other member of the family that grows in Britain is wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare). A testament to the species' local significance is in the meaning of several village names such as Askrigg in Wensleydale, which means the ash tree ridge, and Eshton near Gargrave, which means the farmstead by the ash tree.

Ash trees are widespread in the Dales and are a feature of many woodlands. They often form the major canopy tree in limestone areas. They can also be found in hedgerows and as scattered individuals.