# Rowan Tree (*Sorbus aucuparia L.*)

The Rowan Tree, also called the Mountain Ash, is a magical tree with clusters of bright orange berries. It is often found in fairy tales!

- **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Woodlands and hills
- **Also known as:** Sorbus

![Rowan Tree](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424483/objects/4874.jpg)

## Appearance

The Rowan Tree has elegant pinnate leaves, often turning vibrant red in autumn. It's easily identified by its smooth, grey bark and clusters of bright orange-red berries that persist well into winter, creating a striking visual contrast.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Rosales
- **Family:** Rosaceae
- **Genus:** Sorbus

## Interesting facts

- Ancient people used Rowan wood for magical divining rods and protecting homes.
- Its tart berries are super rich in Vitamin C, even more than oranges, but need cooking!
- Some varieties of Rowan have bright yellow, pink, or white berries, not just the famous red ones!
- The Rowan tree is also known as "Mountain Ash," but it's not a true ash tree at all!

## Special abilities

- **Winter Feast Power:** Rowan Tree produces nutrient-rich berries that feed birds through winter, helping disperse its seeds far and wide.
- **Pioneer Spirit:** Rowan Tree can grow in harsh, rocky, or exposed mountain environments where many other trees struggle to survive.
- **Adaptable Defender:** Its strong, flexible wood helps it withstand winds, and bitter compounds protect berries from some pests.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 8-20 m
- **Spread:** 4-8 m
- **Edible:** Yes
- **Size:** 30-60 cm
- **Lifespan:** 80-120 years
- **Fruit Type:** Berry-like pome
- **Growth Rate:** Medium
- **Leaf Type:** Deciduous

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** Blackbird (*Turdus merula*) — Birds eat berries for energy.
- **Pollinates:** European honey bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Bees gather nectar from its flowers.
- **Eats:** Rowan berry moth (*Argyresthia conjugella*) — Larvae feed on developing berries inside.
- **Shelter:** Fringe lichen (*Usnea articulata*) — Lichens grow on its bark, benefiting from shade.
- **Eats:** [Red Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-deer) (*Cervus elaphus*) — Deer browse on young shoots and leaves.

## Traits

- [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
- [Ornamental](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ornamental): Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
- [Cold Hardy](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/cold-hardy): Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage.
- [Fruit Bearing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fruit-bearing): Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
- [Fruit Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fruit-tree): A fruit tree is a perennial tree that produces fruit, which is edible to humans or animals.
- [Rapid Growing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rapid-growing): Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

## Collections

- [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Rowan Tree?

Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Rowan Tree?

8-20 m

### How wide does Rowan Tree spread?

4-8 m

### Is Rowan Tree edible?

Yes

### How big is Rowan Tree?

30-60 cm

### How long does Rowan Tree live?

80-120 years

### Where is Rowan Tree usually found?

Woodlands and hills

### What kind of fruit does Rowan Tree produce?

Berry-like pome

## More Trees

- [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*)
- [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*)
- [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*)
- [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*)

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Source: [Rowan Tree: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rowan-tree)