Description
Mountain ash, rowan or Sorbus aucuparia is one of our prettiest native trees.
A great tree for urban gardens and attractive to wildlife such as moths, caterpillars, pollinators and the berries are a rich source of food for the birds.
The finely toothed green foliage turns yellow through to orange in the autumn, whilst the white spring flowers produce orange/ red berries by September. Mountain Ash is a tough and hardy tree and is tolerant of atmospheric pollution. It prefers cooler spots, thriving on most soil types and is an ideal specimen tree in small or woodland garden.
Once widely planted as a protection against witches due to its bright red berry colour, red being the colour that was thought best for fighting evil. Its old Celtic name also translates as wizards tree.
The berries are edible but sour and are rich in vitamin C and they can be used to make rowan jelly.
Eventual height around 12m which it will reach from 20-50 years
Prefers a well drained soil, in full sun or partial shade.
