European Ash grows in mainland of Europe and east to the Caucasus. Ash is a strong and very hard-wearing wood (it measures 1320 on the Janka scale). Ash is similar in appearance to oak but is frequently more yellow lighter. Heartwood color varies from light tan to dark brown, while the sapwood is creamy white. Ash is distinguished by straight, coarse and moderately open grain that has some occasional wavy figuring. Ash is a hard, elastic wood with excellent shock resistance properties. Because of its resilience and rapid growth, ash has historically been one of the most versatile woods with far-ranging uses. Until World War II, ash trees were widely used for building and woodworking.
