Ruqayyah Snyder
Rowan trees, or mountain-ashes, are shrubs or trees in the genus Sorbus of the rose family, Rosaceae. They are native to the cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with the highest species diversity in the Himalayas, southern Tibet, and western China. The name rowan was originally applied to the species Sorbus aucuparia, which is also sometimes referred to as mountain ash, although it is unrelated to the Australian mountain ash. Rowan trees are not native to Australia, but they can be purchased and grown there.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Rowan tree, Mountain-ash |
| Genus | Sorbus |
| Species | Sorbus aucuparia, Sorbus hupehensis, Sorbus pseudohupehensis 'Pink Pagoda', Sorbus cashmiriana, Sorbus rosea |
| Height | 4-12 metres (13-39 ft) |
| Native regions | Cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, Himalaya, southern Tibet, western China |
| Soil preference | Well-drained, fertile soils; avoid clay or very wet winter soils |
| Sunlight preference | Open, sunny site; can handle some shade |
| Foliage | Dark green, pinnate foliage; some species have oval leaves with serrated edges |
| Flowers | White, cream, pink; flat-topped clusters (corymbs) |
| Fruits | Berry-like pomes; colours include gold, orange, red, white, pink, mauve-purple |
| Commercial availability in Australia | Unclear; some reports suggest presence in the country, but commercial sources may be limited |
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What You'll Learn
- Rowan trees are native to cool temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere
- Sorbus aucuparia is the most common species of Rowan tree
- Rowan trees are easy to grow and do best in well-drained, fertile soils
- Rowan trees are also known as Mountain Ash trees
- Rowan trees are not native to Australia, but they can be purchased there
Rowan trees are native to cool temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere
Rowan trees, also known as mountain-ashes, are native to cool temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere. They are a subgenus of flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae. While rowan trees are native to the Northern Hemisphere, they have a wide geographic distribution and can be found in northern Europe, southern Europe, southwest Asia, and North America.
Rowan trees are most commonly found in the UK in the north and west, particularly in the highlands of Scotland. They typically grow in high-altitude locations and are well-adapted to cooler climates. The greatest diversity of rowan species is found in Asia, with distinctive species such as Sargent's rowan (Sorbus sargentiana) and small-leaf rowan (Sorbus microphylla).
The name "rowan" is derived from North Germanic and Old Norse terms related to the word "red," referring to the tree's bright red berries. In various languages, the rowan tree is known by different names, reflecting its widespread cultural impact. For example, in Welsh, it is called "cerdinen" or "criafol," the latter of which translates to "The Lamenting Fruit."
Rowan trees hold cultural and symbolic significance in many traditions. In British folklore, they were believed to possess apotropaic powers, especially in warding off witches and black magic. In Ireland, they were planted near houses for protection against spirits, while in Wales, they were planted in churchyards. The wood of the rowan tree was also used for various purposes, including carving, tool handles, and divining rods.
The rowan tree is a captivating subgenus of flowering plants that has intrigued nature and folklore enthusiasts alike. Its cultural importance, mystical properties, and unique physical characteristics, such as its bright red berries, have solidified its special place in folklore and mythology.
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Sorbus aucuparia is the most common species of Rowan tree
Sorbus aucuparia, commonly known as the Rowan tree or mountain-ash, is a species of deciduous tree or shrub in the rose family. It is the most common species of Rowan tree. The tree has a slender trunk with smooth bark and a loose and roundish crown. It blossoms from May to June in dense corymbs of small yellowish-white flowers and develops small red pomes as fruit that ripen from August to October. These berries are a favourite food for many birds and are a traditional wild-collected food in Britain and Scandinavia. The tree is native to cool temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere and can be found in almost all of Europe and the Caucasus up to Northern Russia and Siberia, but it is not native to Southern Spain, Southern Greece, Sardinia, the Balearic Islands, the Azores, and the Faroe Islands. It is one of the most widespread trees in Europe and is highly variable, with botanists using different definitions of the species to include or exclude trees native to certain areas.
The binomial name Sorbus aucuparia is composed of the Latin words "sorbus" for service tree and "aucuparia", which derives from the words "avis" for bird and "capere" for catching and describes the use of the fruit of S. aucuparia as bait for fowling. The name "rowan" was originally applied to this species and is also used for other species in the genus Sorbus. The name "mountain-ash" is due to a superficial similarity of the rowan leaves to those of the ash, not to be confused with Fraxinus ornus, a true ash that is also known as "mountain ash". Fossils of Sorbus aucuparia have been found in Turkey, dating back to the early Pliocene age.
Sorbus aucuparia is a small tree, typically 4–15 metres (13–50 feet) tall, and grows in a variety of habitats throughout northern Europe and in mountains in southern Europe and southwest Asia. It is one of the hardiest European trees, occurring as far north as the Arctic in Norway, and has also become widely naturalised in northern North America. The plant does not often grow older than 80 years and is one of the shortest-lived trees in temperate climates. It is a highly adaptable species, with many hybrids occurring naturally, including Sorbus × hybrida and S. thuringiaca. The main pests for S. aucuparia are the apple fruit moth and the mountain-ash sawfly, and the leaves are used by insect larvae, including various moths and leaf miners.
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Rowan trees are easy to grow and do best in well-drained, fertile soils
Rowan trees, or mountain-ashes, are shrubs or trees in the genus Sorbus of the rose family, Rosaceae. They are native to the cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with the highest species diversity in the Himalayas, southern Tibet, and western China. The European rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) is the best-known species, growing in a variety of habitats throughout northern Europe and in mountains in southern Europe and southwest Asia. It is a small tree, typically 4–12 meters tall, and is one of the hardiest European trees.
Rowan trees are a useful addition to any garden, providing a beautiful display of colours throughout the year. They are also a favourite food source for many birds and are a traditional wild-collected food in Britain and Scandinavia. In addition to their aesthetic and practical value, rowan trees hold cultural and symbolic significance in various traditions. In Celtic mythology, for example, they symbolise courage and wisdom, with the bright berries representing drops of blood of the goddess Hebe, the goddess of youth and daughter of Zeus.
When growing rowan trees, it is important to note that they are best suited for cooler climates and may require additional water during long dry periods. While they are easy to grow, providing the right conditions will ensure the trees thrive and reach their full potential. With their preference for well-drained, fertile soils, rowan trees can be a beautiful and rewarding addition to landscapes, especially in temperate regions.
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Rowan trees are also known as Mountain Ash trees
Rowan trees, scientifically known as Sorbus aucuparia, are also referred to as Mountain Ash trees. This is due to the superficial similarity of the rowan leaves to those of the ash tree. However, it is important to note that the mountain ash or Sorbus domestica is not a true ash tree and is not to be confused with Fraxinus ornus, which is a true ash also known as mountain ash.
Rowan trees are native to the cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with the highest species diversity found in the Himalayas, southern Tibet, and parts of western China. They typically grow to a height of 4-12 meters and are characterised by their dark green pinnate foliage, masses of white flowers in spring, and red berries. The berries are a favourite food source for many birds and are traditionally wild-collected in Britain and Scandinavia.
The name "rowan" is believed to originate from North Germanic sources, possibly related to the Old Norse "reynir", and ultimately derived from the Germanic verb "raud-inan", meaning "to redden", referring to the colour of the berries. The Latin name "sorbus" is also derived from a root meaning "red, reddish-brown".
Rowan trees have a mystical history in British folklore, where they were believed to possess apotropaic powers, especially in warding off witches and black magic. They were often planted near gates or front doors for protection. The wood of the rowan tree was also used in various cultural practices, such as stirring milk to prevent curdling and as a pocket charm against rheumatism.
In summary, the Rowan tree, scientifically known as Sorbus aucuparia, is commonly referred to as the Mountain Ash tree due to the resemblance of its leaves to those of true ash trees. It is native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and has cultural and historical significance, especially in European folklore and traditional practices.
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Rowan trees are not native to Australia, but they can be purchased there
Rowan trees, or mountain-ashes, are shrubs or trees in the genus Sorbus of the rose family, Rosaceae. They are native to the cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with the highest species diversity in the Himalayas, southern Tibet, and parts of western China. The name "rowan" was originally applied to the species Sorbus aucuparia, which is also sometimes referred to as mountain ash due to a similarity in the leaves' appearance to those of the ash tree. However, it is not related to the Australian mountain ash.
While rowan trees are not native to Australia, they can be purchased and grown there. Several online forums have discussions about purchasing rowan trees in Australia, specifically in Melbourne and Sydney. Some users have mentioned buying rowan trees from rare plant nurseries or garden open days.
Rowan trees are easy to grow and do best on well-drained, fertile soils. They prefer an open, sunny site but can tolerate some shade. They are small trees that typically grow to a height of 4-12 meters, depending on the soil and conditions. They have dark green pinnate foliage and masses of white flowers in the spring, followed by red berries and good autumn colour.
When purchasing a rowan tree in Australia, it is important to consider the climate and water requirements of the tree. Rowan trees are best suited to cooler climates and will require additional water during long dry periods.
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Frequently asked questions
No, rowan trees are native to the cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with the highest species diversity in the Himalaya, southern Tibet, and parts of western China.
Yes, rowan trees can be grown in Australia. They are not native to the country, but they have been introduced and can be found in some areas.
You may be able to purchase a rowan tree from Adrian & Marilyn at Glenlyon. They have a lot of rare and subtropical plants. You can contact them by phone at 5348 7532.
