BTCV : CVNI : Tree Nursery : Tree Descriptions : Rowan

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Rowan - Sorbus aucuparia

Rowan on rocks

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.
Silhouette of a Rowan

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).

 
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