Flowering Ash
/ˈflaʊərɪŋ æʃ/noun
A small deciduous tree, usually Fraxinus ornus, known for its abundant clusters of fragrant white flowers.
Did you know?Flowering ash is also called manna ash because damaged branches of Fraxinus ornus can exude a sugary sap historically harvested as manna, a mild laxative and traditional medicinal substance.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰleh₃-
“To bloom, thrive, or swell; the ancient root behind the idea of flowering.”
Latin
Latin
flōs, flōris
“Flower or blossom; the source of English flower and floral vocabulary.”
Old French
Old French
flor / flour
“Flower; the spelling flour later became associated with finely ground grain because grain was described as the “flower” or finest part.”
Old English
Old English
æsc
“Ash tree; also the name of the wood, especially in reference to the ash tree’s strong timber.”
14th Century
English
flowering
“Producing flowers or blooming; formed from flower with the productive suffix -ing.”
Modern English
English
flowering ash
“A common name for Fraxinus ornus and related ornamental ash trees that flower conspicuously.”