European Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia)

Description

Latin: Sorbus aucuparia

Zones: 3-6

Other common names: rowan-tree, the whispering tree, witch tree

Mature Height: 65 ft

Soil / Climate: Grows in dry rocky areas to moist rich woods.  Does not like hot locations. Good in cooler climates. Prefers full sun.

Notes: European Mountain ash has grayish, yellow-brown smooth bark.  Long, compound leaves with sharp toothed edges.  Leaves turn orange-red in autumn.  Flowers are white or pink. Buds are pubescent(short, soft, fuzzy or downy), in contrast with the American version’s shiny buds.  More commonly planted than American Mountain Ash. European Mountain Ash produces small, 1/4 inch in diameter, orange-red fruits ripen in late August and September. Makes a good smaller shade tree. It has been used for medicinal purposes and the fruit is used to make rowanberry wine, flavor mead, ale, cider and jelly(berries are bitter and need a great deal of sugar). The Rowan tree is known as the “Tree of Protection and Vision”. The Rowan’s wood makes beautiful walking sticks and is suitable for carving.