BTCV : CVNI : Tree Nursery : About Trees : Rowan

Rowan

Rowan on rocksIrish Name - Caorthann
Family - Rosaceae

Characteristics

  • Rowan is a small tree rarely growing to a height of more than 15m (45ft).
  • The leaves are superficially ash-like and give the tree its other common name, mountain ash.
  • The characteristic smooth grey bark, white flowers and red berries make this tree easy to identify.

Season

  • The leaves open in early April.
  • The large flattened clusters of creamy white flowers appear during May and June.
  • In July, yellow berries can be seen. They turn orange and then finally ripen to scarlet in August.

Preferred Environment

  • The natural home of the rowan is on hillsides; it thrives at higher elevations than most other native trees.
  • Rowan is a tree of light soils, and thus avoids clays and shallow chalk.
  • It is found in scrub, woodland, and on open moorland where it grows well on acid peat.
  • It thrives best in open positions, although it will grow in shade and is very wind-tolerant.
  • It is very fast-growing when young and regenerates well when cut.

Wildlife Associations

  • There are 28 insect species associated with the rowan.
  • The berries are important to birds, particularly the mistle-thrush, blackbird and starling.
  • The leaves are eaten by grazing animals and snails.

Uses

  • Rowan can be used as a nurse crop for oaks and other timber trees, which soon overshadow it.
  • The berries are often made into jelly.
 
© Copyright 2004 - 2008 BTCV *Small print* XHTML CSS
BTCV is registered in England as a limited company (976410) and as a charity in England (261009) and Scotland (SCO39303)