Ash-tree-fullshot A beautiful graceful tree with spreading branches, curving downwards and the rising up to give a wonderful outline with a pale brown bark turning to grey as it ages. Identified in winter by its smooth twigs with distinctive velvety black leaf buds. The Ash comes into leaf much later than other trees in Britian. The beautiful softly feathery leaves usually start appearing in late April followed by clusters of insignificant purple flowers.