Mountain Ash / Rowan
leaves
Mountain
Ash, Gaelic Caorunn, Welsh Cerddin, Irish Caorthann (family Rosaceae)
Description: Small vigorous hardy deciduous tree producing large number of red
berries in autumn. Coppices well. Height 15m but up to 18m. Age 100 years or
more
Where found: Light and peaty soils not water logged up to 1000m. Pioneer species
not tolerant of shading except in some Scots Pine woods. Commonest West and
North of Britain but native
throughout Britain and Ireland. Also Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor.
Similar species: Other Sorbus species.
Uses past & present: Dense hard pale brown wood. Uses of wood - Turnery and
carving and good firewood. Used to make bows in middleages. Formerly used for
tool handles, mallet heads, bowls and platters. Food and drink - Berries are
edible and used to make rowan jelly which is eaten with game. Enjoyed by birds
who disperse seed.
flowers |
leaves |
fruit |
ripen |
fall |
May/June | Apr | Sept | Oct/Nov |