Ash Leaves

Okay, ash leaves aren't flowers, but I include them here because they're extremely beautiful and this early in the year, there aren't that many flowers to see. The Burren is nearly treeless, and when you do see a tree rising out of the underbrush it is more than likely an Ash. The Ash is native to Ireland and seems to manage the rocky terrain of the Burren better than its larger cousins. In early spring the new leaves unfurl from the tight black buds and are marvellously delicate and translucent.

Ralph Doyle