In the dim and distant past (and it's getting dimmer and distanter) I
remember reading that the reason the ash always leafs out late is something
to do with it being a relatively late arrival to Britain, compared to the oak.
Maybe this species is still genetically programmed to require warmer
temperatures or longer days to trigger leaf burst, as it would have in more
southerly latitudes. It's certainly true that a late frost will seriously
damage the new growth far worse than on an oak. It's also one of the first
to lose its leaves in the autumn.
It wouldn't necessarily have evolved to leaf out earlier during the period it
has been here unless there was an advantage in doing so. As it seems to
manage to grow quite vigorously enough when it only has leaves for a month
less than many other trees, it seems to be doing all right, thank you.
Common walnut, which comes from SE Europe leafs out later too. That seems to
cope perfectly well with a shortened growing season.
Yes, we also have Horse Chestnuts here which are in leaf well before others.
Chestnuts just seem to be more genetically variable, or maybe the original
introductions were from several different climatic areas? They come from the
border between Greece and Albania, parts of which are up in the mountains.
Hawthorns seem to be very variable in leafing out. Some of our hedges show
green in March, and the Glastonbury thorn is totally confused about the
seasons.
Hmmmmmm, this has started me thinking. (Bad thing cos it's distracting me
from what I should be doing.) Anyone else got any ideas?
By the way, I've never seen the ash before the oak. If I do, perhaps I
should engage the services of Messrs. Noah & sons.
Sue
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