rowan
Sorbus aucuparia
Facts
Why not download our rowan fact sheet?
rowan fact sheet
- A fairly fast growing species reaching 15 metres tall
- Has smooth grey-green bark
- Distinctive ash-like leaves, although smaller more numerous leaflets
- Young twigs are slightly hairy, and the buds very hairy when bursting
- Small, creamy flowers in dense clusters 10-15 cm across
- Clusters of red berries in early autumn
Beware of the many cultivars and hybrids that are planted in streets, parks and gardens
Rowan vodka
Try our delicious rowan vodka recipe:
rowan vodka
Where found
Widespread as grows happily on quite poor soil, although more common in the wild in west and north of the UK where it grows higher (1,000 metres) than any other tree, hence its other name, ‘mountain ash’.
When to look for
- Leaves from April, flowers in May
- Leaves drop late October
- Ripe fruit from September to October
Fabulous rowan facts
- Rowans were once planted to protect farm cottages from roaming witches and can still be seen around many farm yards
- Rowan berries, bitter and inedible fresh, can be used to make delicious jams and jellies
- A rowan tree planted upon a grave was thought to keep the deceased from haunting
- In Irish legend, the first woman was created from rowan (the first male having been created from alder)
- In ancient times druids would light fires of rowan wood to help induce insights into forthcoming battles