Rowan
Irish 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.