This young tree (there are more) was found in a beech forest, growing in partial shade. It readily fits within F.ornus descriptions except the buds, which are black in color. Could this be some sort of variation within the species? Or maybe it is F.excelsior? This is confusing because I'm used to see F.excelsior leaves long acuminate, not with cuspidate tips as in the photos provided. Any tips appreciated!
Odd one! It probably is F. ornus, but somehow doesn't look quite right. Worth keeping an eye on to see how it develops.
Yes, odd! Maybe you remember, there was another odd ash which I asked about some time ago (http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=54975). Odd ashes growing around here, definitely! :D
That's often the way it is with plants in the wild, they show greater variation than one is used to seeing with cultivated plants with a limited gene pool.