Rowan is one of our most recognisable native trees, known for its clusters of bright red berries and fiery autumn colour. Often called the 'mountain ash' (although of no relation to the ash tree), rowan is often found on hillsides, mountain slopes and moorland edges. It thrives in some of the harshest conditions of any broadleaf tree.
This narrow, graceful tree is favoured by wildlife for its flowers, fruit and foliage.
Rowan facts and figures
- With a life span of around 120 years, rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) can reach 15 metres tall.
- Its nickname of 'mountain ash' comes from the rowan's ability to grow at high altitudes.
- A mature rowan can produce thousands of berries each autumn.
- Rowan has a long history of being associated with folklore and was often planted outside houses and in churchyards to ward off witches.
How to identify a rowan tree
Heading out into the forest? Here are the top things to look out for to help you recognise a rowan:
- bark: smooth and silvery-grey to grey-brown in colour.
- leaves: usually have 11 to 15 toothed leaflets arranged in central pairs along the stem, which turn bright red and orange in autumn.
- flowers: cream and heavily scented, appearing in clusters during spring.
- fruit: clusters of berries ripen to a bright red in late summer and autumn.
- shape: slender with an open crown, often growing on hillsides and more exposed sites.
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How rowan is used
Compared to other broadleaved trees, rowan is relatively small and slow-growing, meaning there is a limited supply of large rowan timber. Its wood is strong and flexible, and today it is mostly used for specialist woodworking and craft purposes. In the past, it was used for making longbows and tool handles.
The tree's bright red berries have long been used to make jellies, jams and drinks. Rich in vitamin C, they have featured in traditional recipes for centuries (including for treating scurvy) and remain popular today.
Rowan and the future
We've been planting rowan to help diversify upland forests that were once dominated by spruce and pine plantations. As a native broadleaf tree, rowan plays an important role in restoring more varied woodland habitats and increasing biodiversity across the nation's forests.
As one of our hardiest native broadleaf trees, rowan can thrive on cold, exposed sites where many other species struggle. Its resilience means it is likely to remain an important part of woodland landscapes as forests adapt to a changing climate.
Supporting wildlife into the future
Rowan supports wildlife throughout the year. Its spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for insects, while its bright red berries are an important food source for many birds, particularly during autumn and winter. The tree's leaves and branches also provide shelter for a range of woodland species.
By planting rowan alongside other native species, we're helping create more resilient, wildlife-rich forests for future generations.
Frequently asked questions about rowan
Rowan trees are sometimes known as mountain ash due to their ability to grow at high altitudes, and the similarities between ash leaves and rowan leaves. Rowan and ash are, however, different species of trees.
Rowan berries are an important food source for wildlife, particularly during autumn and winter.
Humans can eat rowan berries too, although they are bitter and acidic when raw, and better eaten after being cooked or frozen. Rowan berries make good jellies, jams and syrups.
Rowan trees grow in woodlands, hedgerows, hillsides and mountain regions. They tolerate cold weather and exposed conditions better than many other broadleaf trees.
Rowan berries grow in dense clusters and ripen to bright red or orange-red during late summer and autumn.
