Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is a large hardwood tree in the lilac family. The tree is famous since its leaves are sprouting last of all Swedish hardwood trees in the spring. The heartwood on old ashes is sometimes called olive ash as it has similarities with olive wood. Ash is hard and tough and was often used in the past for ax handles. This ash has grown in the village of Skede in the Småland Highlands. The old tree grew in a garden but had to be taken down as there was a risk that it would break and damage a building. The beautiful wood is now left as a memory and adorns your phone.