The size of the tree depends strongly on its growing site and soil conditions. The height of the European ash varies from 20-30 m to 40m maximum. An ash log has a length of 15-20 m and a diameter of 0.4-0.9m.

The wood we mainly use for ash is the very broad sapwood, which varies in color from white to yellowish or light yellow-brown. Freshly sawn wood can also have a pinkish colour. When exposed to light, ash becomes more yellowish over time.
 
Due to the erratic evolution of the core, a brown/white striped or flamed wood is produced which is called olive ash.

Ash is known for its hardiness. The width of the growth rings has a great influence on the strength of this wood species. Ash with wide growth rings is therefore much stronger and more resistant than ash with narrow growth rings.