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Rowan

©Mark Hamblin/2020VISION

Rowan

©northeastwildlife.co.uk

Fieldfare with Rowan berries

Fieldfare with Rowan berries ©Richard Steel/2020VISION

Rowan

Often a lone figure on a windswept mountainside or heath, the rowan tree can stand for up to 200 years. It is well known for its masses of red berries that attract all kinds of birds, including thrushes.

Scientific name

Sorbus aucuparia

When to see

January to December

Species information

Category

Statistics

Height: 8-15m

Conservation status

Common.

About

Rowan is a small tree found on mountains and heathland, and along woodland edges; it is also frequently planted in towns and gardens. It is slender tree, with creamy-white, spring flowers and clusters of bright red, autumn berries - a favourite food of birds, such as visiting waxwings, redwings and other thrushes. By eating the berries, these birds help the tree to disperse its seeds.

How to identify

Rowan has ash-like leaves (15 leaflets arranged in pairs) with toothed edges. It displays five-petalled, creamy-white flowers in clusters, followed by masses of red berries.

Distribution

Widespread.

Did you know?

Rowan is also known as 'Mountain Ash' because of the ash-like shape of its leaves and its preference for upland areas - it is often seen standing as a lone tree in a dramatic, windswept landscape.