Planted in 1981, this Single Leaf Ash Tree has withstood Chalara Ash Dieback, which has killed many wild Ash Trees in Britain.
Single Leaf Ash
This rare Ash is grafted
onto the roots of a Wild Ash Tree.
You can see the join
down low on the trunk —
a bumpy wiggly scar.
A scar can be the trace
of what helps us grow –
Like how the struggle at school
can make us strong.
This tree began as a mistake.
But it holds something special.
Most Ash Trees have lots of small leaves.
This carries just one.
Each stem has a single, smooth leaf.
In winter
it keeps its secret safe.
Bare branches
like black chandeliers
are full of their hidden surprise.