European Ash
Fraxinus excelsior • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight and fairly coarse, though highly variable in branch wood; small twigs show tight concentric growth rings and a relatively large pith center.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown; sapwood is wide and can be beige to light brown. The freshly cut branch ends show a creamy white to pale yellow sapwood with a slightly darker core.
Hardness Rating
1320 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable, perishable; poor resistance to rot and insect attack, especially in smaller green branch samples.
Common Uses
Tool handles, sports equipment (bats, oars), flooring, furniture, and traditionally used for firewood/coppicing. Smaller branches are often used for slingshots or walking sticks.
Geographic Origin
Europe and Southwestern Asia
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $9.00 per board foot for kiln-dried lumber; as a raw twig, it has no commercial timber value.
Wood Age Estimate
Approximately 2 to 4 years based on the diameter of the branch and visible bark texture.
Sustainability Status
Extremely threatened in many regions by Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus); listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Workability
Excellent results with hand or machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes well. The green wood in the photo is highly flexible, making it ideal for steam bending or manual shaping.
Notable Features
High shock resistance; lacks a distinctive odor; wood dust can be a sensitizer. Known for its 'springy' mechanical properties.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to most finishes; for green wood projects like spoons or slingshots, a food-grade mineral oil or beeswax/oil blend is recommended after drying.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the bark lenticels, opposite branching habit (indicated by node scars), and the characteristic creamy-colored wood with large pith are consistent with Fraxinus species common in garden environments.