Rowan

Over 200 species of rowan (Sorbus) or mountain-ash exist globally, including over 40 (plus hybrids) in the British Isles. These deciduous trees are native to (and more diverse in) cooler parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

The rowan we know best locally (sorbus aucuparia) is the European rowan. It reaches 4-12m and lives to around 80 – less than half the age of many fellow species.

Rowans are generally durable, surviving in most soil types. They prefer soil that’s light, fertile and humus-rich but can struggle with excess water or salinity.

Similar in appearance to ash and elder, European rowan can be identified by its:

- Smooth silvery bark

- Hairy purple leaf buds

- Distinctive serrated leaflets

- Five-petalled cream-white flowers

- Orange-red berries

The species is popular with moth caterpillars, birds and various pollinators but also susceptible to fireblight.

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Rowan’s hard, two-tone timber is used in woodcraft. Rich in Celtic, Norse and Sami mythology, its wood has been used to make divining rods and even guard against witches.

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Rowan berries can be used to make jam, chutney and wines but are extremely bitter when raw and poisonous to cats and dogs.

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