Rowan - Sorbus aucuparia
Irish name - Caorthann
Rose 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 characteristics smoothy 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. They have a very distinct smell that attracts flies, beetles and bees. These help with the transfer of rowan between flowers.
- 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 better and 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 and frost 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 which is served with game.
- The berries are rich in vitamin C and were once made into a drink to prevent scurvy. However, it is not advisable to eat large quantities of raw berries as they are slightly toxic. The toxin breaks down harmlessly when cooked.
Please remember...
Permission from the landowner - and, if the site holds any kind of designation, from Northern Ireland Environment Agency too - must be sought before collecting plant material (including seeds).