If you take a walk through the British uplands in late summer or early autumn, you are likely to be greeted by a splash of vibrant scarlet against the fading greens and browns of the landscape. This is the rowan tree, a species that has captured our imagination for centuries. With its delicate leaves, frothy white flowers, and brilliant berries, it is a jewel in the crown of our native woodlands.

But the rowan is far more than just a pretty sight. It is a tree steeped in history, surrounded by ancient folklore, and vital for the survival of our wildlife. Whether you know it as the ‘Mountain Ash’ or the ‘Witch Wiggin’, the rowan has a story to tell. By understanding this resilient tree, we can better appreciate the wild spaces it calls home and ensure they are preserved for generations to come.

What exactly is a Rowan?

The rowan is a deciduous tree native to the UK and large parts of Europe. Its scientific name is Sorbus aucuparia, and it sits within the Rosaceae family. This means, somewhat surprisingly, that it is a distant cousin of the rose, as well as apples, cherries, and hawthorns.

You may often hear it referred to as the ‘Mountain Ash’. This common name stems from a case of mistaken identity. The leaves of the rowan look remarkably similar to those of the common ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior). However, the two are not related. You can easily tell them apart by looking at the buds; ash buds are sooty and black, while rowan buds are purple and hairy. Furthermore, the rowan usually stays much smaller than the towering ash, rarely growing taller than 15 metres.

Identifying the Rowan through the seasons

Spotting a rowan is a delightful task, regardless of the time of year. It offers interest in every season, making it a favourite for nature lovers and gardeners alike.

Leaves and Bark

The bark of a young rowan is smooth, shiny, and greyish-silver. As the tree ages, the bark can become slightly scaly, but it generally retains a sleek appearance. The leaves are ‘pinnate’, which means they resemble a feather. Each leaf stem features 5 to 9 pairs of leaflets with a single leaflet at the tip. These leaflets have serrated edges, looking like tiny saws, and turn a beautiful burnt orange or red before falling in autumn.

Flowers

In May and June, the tree transforms. Dense clusters of creamy-white flowers appear, known as corymbs. These blossoms have a distinctive, sweet scent that drifts through the woodland air, signaling that summer is on its way.

Berries

The most famous feature of the rowan is undoubtedly its fruit. By late summer, the flowers have developed into heavy bunches of bright red or orange berries. These fruits remain on the tree well into winter—unless the birds get to them first—providing a crucial splash of colour during the greyer months.

Where and how it grows

The rowan is a survivor. It is known as a ‘pioneer species’, meaning it is hardy, fast-growing, and often one of the first trees to colonise open land. It is exceptionally tough and capable of withstanding cold winds and poor soil.

This hardiness explains its nickname, the Mountain Ash. You will find rowan trees clinging to rocky crags and growing at higher altitudes than almost any other tree in the British Isles. In Scotland, they have been found growing at heights of up to 1,000 metres. However, they are just as happy in lowland oak woods, heathland, and urban gardens.

The rowan prefers light, acidic soils and plenty of sunlight. It does not fare well in deep shade, so you will often see it on the edges of woodlands or standing alone in glades where it can soak up the sun.

A lifeline for wildlife

One of the greatest benefits of the rowan is the support it provides to our local biodiversity. It is a true larder for nature.

Feathery friends

The berries are a rich source of autumn food for thrushes. Blackbirds, mistle thrushes, redwings, and fieldfares feast on the fruit to build up their energy reserves for winter. In fact, the Latin name aucuparia derives from avis (bird) and capere (catching), reflecting how the trees were once used as lures to catch birds for food.

Pollinators and insects

The spring flowers provide pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinating insects. Additionally, the leaves are a food source for the caterpillars of several moth species, including the Welsh wave and the autumn green carpet.

The culinary and practical uses

While the raw berries are too bitter and astringent for human palettes (and slightly toxic if eaten in large quantities due to parasorbic acid), they transform when cooked. The application of heat breaks down the toxins, making the fruit safe to eat.

Rowan jelly is a traditional accompaniment to game and meat dishes, celebrated for its tart, marmalade-like flavour and high pectin content, which helps it set easily.

Historically, the wood was also highly valued. Pale, strong, and dense, it was used for tool handles, spinning wheels, and walking sticks. Its resilience made it perfect for items that needed to withstand heavy use.

Considerations for the garden

While the rowan is a wonderful addition to a wildlife-friendly garden, there are a few things to consider before planting one.

  • Dropping fruit: If planted near a patio or paved driveway, the fallen berries can create a slippery, pulpy mess that may stain lighter stones.
  • Weeding: Because birds love the fruit so much, they spread the seeds far and wide. You may find rowan saplings popping up in unexpected corners of your garden.
  • Pests: While generally robust, rowans can be susceptible to fireblight and silver leaf disease. However, these issues are less common in wild varieties than in cultivated ornamental trees.

A tree of protection and magic

Few trees are as rich in folklore as the rowan. For centuries, it has been revered as a symbol of protection against the supernatural.

In Celtic mythology and across the British Isles, the rowan was known as the ‘Witch’s Tree’—not because it belonged to witches, but because it protected against them. The bright red colour of the berries was thought to be the best defense against magic. An old rhyme states: “Rowan tree and red thread / hold the witches all in dread.”

People would plant rowan trees near their garden gates or front doors to prevent evil spirits from entering the home. In parts of Scotland, it was considered taboo to cut down a rowan tree, as doing so might bring bad luck to the household. Twigs were often carried in pockets for personal protection, or used to make divining rods to find metal.

Even today, you can spot ancient rowan trees growing near stone circles and archaeological sites, hinting that our ancestors viewed these trees as sacred sentinels watching over the land.

Preserving our natural heritage

The rowan is a testament to the resilience and beauty of nature. It survives in the harshest conditions, feeds our wildlife, and connects us to the beliefs of our ancestors. Whether you spot one clinging to a mountainside or brightening up a city street, take a moment to admire it.

By protecting these trees and the habitats they thrive in, we ensure that the flash of scarlet berries remains a signal of autumn for years to come.

Further Reading: Discover Nature’s Bounty Foraging for Food and Fun, Foraging in January: A Winter’s Treasure Hunt, The Art of Foraging: Unlocking Nature’s Bounty Sustainably, Eat Weeds!

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