Other Names: nion (Celtic), red ash
Number of Species: About 70 species of ash, although many have been lost due to the emerald ash borer
Family: Oleaceae
Genus/Species: Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Leaf: Compound opposite, deciduous, 5–9 leaflets, either fine-toothed or toothless
Margin: The green ash often has a large unattractive growth at the ends of small branches called an insect gall
Bark: Gray or brown with deep furrows, often appearing diamond-shaped
Fruit: Green samara that turns brown when mature
Magickal Properties and Lore: Ash is part of the Druidic fairy triad consisting of oak, ash, and thorn and is sacred to the Druids. Ash wood makes a great wand and can absorb sickness. Used for healing, love, and protection, the ash represents the World Tree, Yggdrasil, or the Tree of Life. Leaves placed under a pillow are said to bring prophetic dreams, and snakes fear the ash tree. You can burn ash to attract prosperity or carry the leaves to attract love. Rub a needle over a wart three times and then stick the needle into an ash tree to heal the wart. The blue and white ash trees share the same magickal properties as the green.
Practical Uses: Ash wood was used by the Celts to make mighty spears, and maypoles were often made of ash. Baseball bats are commonly made from ash wood.
Medicinal Properties: The bark of ash can be used to make an infusion for a mild laxative. The leaves and bark may also be used to reduce fever and treat kidney and urinary infections.