The great ash tree in Elleholm

In Elleholm churchyard there is an ash tree whose diameter measures an impressive 607 cm.

Ash trees can grow to 30 metres tall and 7 metres in diameter and in Sweden they can be up to 250 years old (in other countries they can grow for up to 500 years). The fruits of the ash tree stay on the tree a long time and are good winter feed for birds. In the spring the large buds are food for hares and deer.

The wood of the ash tree is hard, tough, bends easily and is light in colour. It is often used for the handles of tools, hockey sticks and clogs. It is also common in parquet flooring and for furniture. Until the early twentieth century, it was also used for arrows, skis, sticks, axe handles, dog sleds and wheel axels. Until the 1980s, ash was the dominant material for tennis racket frames.

The Vikings were sometimes called “Ascomanni” by the inhabitants of France and Germany, i.e. “those who sail ships built of ash wood”. British car manufacturer Morgan still use ash wood in the chassis of their cars and ash is also commonly used in electric guitars.

Source: Wikipedia