Narrow-leaved ash tree in Montepando

Of the two types of native ash trees found on the Iberian Peninsula, this tree belongs to the species that is more continental or Mediterranean. The impressive size of this tree probably makes it one of the largest narrow-leaved ash trees in Europe.

The species Fraxinus angustifolia, also known as the narrow-leaved ash tree, is found in the hottest, driest areas, compared to the species Fraxinus excelsior, which is more common in northern areas with more rainfall.

The leaves of narrow-leaved ash trees like the one in Montepando have been used since times of antiquity as a source of food for livestock, at times when grazing opportunities have become scarce.

Because of the size and structure of this tree, it is clear that it has been severely pruned (pollarded) numerous times, and it was surely used for centuries as a source of food for thousands of animals.

Data for the tree (2017):