Heavensash (Heaven's Ash)
Heavenashes are broad, relatively short, deciduous trees prized for their attractive bark, leaves, and flowers. They are relatively uncommon due to vulnerability to a variety of pests and diseases, and their longevity is notably increased by domestic cultivation. They are so-named for the dazzling spectacle of their leaves falling, especially when viewed from beneath the canopy.
They often feature in art and literature where their beauty and romantic traits -- midwinter blooming, fragility, their intense leaf-fall -- can be used for striking metaphors. A popular pasttime is to lay beneath a heavensash when it is losing its leaves in order to be "showered with good luck from the heavens"; many will preserve a heavensash leaf for good luck, either keeping it on their person, hanging it in the home, placing it in cradles, etc.
They are the far more fragile descendent of sunbarks.
Basic Information
Anatomy
They do not on average grow taller than around twenty feet, but their trunks can be between fifteen and twenty feet in diameter; while the base of the trunk close to the ground is solid, it is prone to splitting into several individual trunks that easily fuse or break apart, especially when subjected to disease or pests that alter its growth. It has a moderate-depth root system, and its crown tends to range between twenty and thirty feet.
Biological Traits
Their bark is smooth and golden with slight lighter-colored vertical striations. Its plentiful leaves are small and fan-shaped with mild ridging, and sprout in a medium shade of green before lightening to pale gold-green in color; they take on a pinkish blush and red veining in the Season of Closing before falling. It is unusual in that it blooms in the Season of Waiting; its flowers are upright and chalice-shaped, consisting of several overlapping bright red petals that age to pale pink.
Ecology and Habitats
Temperamental, preferring its own solitary pocket of rich soil with easy access to water. Though they can survive in less than perfect conditions, their longevity is either greatly reduced or they take on atypical appearances: wiry, spindly trunks and duller coloring.
Additional Information
Domestication
Their attractiveness has made them a popular feature in architectural planting and gardens. A notable specimen is in the Shogu Holding of Korzhûn, though it was badly damaged during the Massacre of the 215th Holding.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Fresh petals are used to produce rouge.
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