Rowan.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Deciduous tree

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

Bright indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

15 meters

Growth rate

Medium

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 7

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Care

Plant your rowan in a spot with well draining soil and keep it moist while it gets established. Watch for signs of leaf scorch during very hot summers. Pruning is best done in winter to maintain a nice shape and remove any damaged wood.

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the first few years.

Feeding

Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth.

Pruning

Prune during the dormant winter period to remove dead or crossing branches.

Repotting

If growing in a container, move to a larger pot every few years until it reaches its final size.

Soil

Moist but well drained

Soil pH

Acidic to neutral

Temperature

-35 to 30°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Drought tolerance

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 50 to 100 years.

Fragrance

Light

Deer and rabbits

Moderate

Safety

People

The raw fruit is mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities due to parasorbic acid.

Children

The bright red berries may look tempting to small children and should be kept out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

Contact allergens

The leaves and bark are generally non-irritating to the skin.

Airborne allergens

The pollen can be a mild allergen for sensitive individuals during the flowering period.

Edibility

The raw berries contain parasorbic acid which can cause stomach upset, though cooking renders them safe.

How to identify it

• Pinnate leaves with serrated edges
• Clusters of small white flowers
• Bright red berry like fruits
• Smooth grey bark on young stems

Height

8 to 15m

Spread

4 to 8m

Leaves

green, deciduous

Flowers

white, 0.5 to 1cm

Fruit

red, orange, Late summer to autumn

Problems to watch for

• AphidsCommon
• Fire BlightCommon
• CankerUncommon
• Leaf SpotUncommon
• RustUncommon
• SawflyUncommon
• Scale InsectsUncommon
• Root RotRare

Growing it

Propagation

seed, cuttings

When to plant

spring, autumn

Overwintering

No special winter care is needed as it is fully hardy. Ensure the base is clear of debris to prevent fungal issues.

In containers

It is not well suited for long term container growth due to its large size.

Plant in groups with other native woodland trees to create a naturalistic habitat for local birds.

Grows well with

• Common Hawthorn · They share similar soil and light requirements in woodland settings.
• Silver Birch · These trees often grow together in natural forest clearings.

Similar species

• Serviceberry · It offers a similar habit and bird-friendly fruit.

Science

Family

Rosaceae

Genus

Sorbus

Order

Rosales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Europe and parts of Asia.

Conservation

This species is common and not of conservation concern.

It thrives in woodland edges and mountain slopes where it can access sufficient light.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, bird food source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Uses

ornamental tree, wildlife garden, culinary jellies

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Can I eat the berries raw?

It is best to avoid eating them raw as they can cause digestive distress.

Does it need a lot of water?

It prefers moist but well drained soil and does not like to sit in water.

Where the name comes from

The name Sorbus is the ancient Latin name for the tree, while aucuparia means bird-catching, referring to the use of berries as bait.

Good to know

• It is often called the rowan tree in folklore.
• Ancient traditions suggest planting it near homes for protection.
• The wood is very tough and was historically used for tool handles.