Sorbus aucuparia (European Mountainash)


Michael's Opinion

The Rowan tree is a very popular tree for the residential landscape. This tree flowers with large white panicles of blooms in late spring; these are followed by clusters of orange fruit that persist for the remainder of the season. It has smooth bark and can reach heights of 6 m. It may be susceptible to Sawfly and Borer infestations. It prefers full sun in well-drained soils.

Botanical Information

FamilyRosaceae
GenusSorbus
Speciesaucuparia
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone2
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height12 m
Spread8 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodJune

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA northern species which is usually a small tree with a short trunk of spreading branches. Contains dense bunches of scarlet red fruits in autumn. The berries attract birds and are also edible by humans, but too acidic to be eaten raw.
ID CharacteristicOne of the most ornamental of the small trees, it is very attractive when in bloom and fruit. Graceful in form with an oval shape and sprays of white flowers.
ShapeUpright, oval.
LandscapeCommon on rocky hillsides, openings, roadsides or scattered along the edges of the woods.
CultivationWill flourish on rocky hillsides, but prefer a rich moist soil such as borders of swamps.
HabitatRocky hillsides, road sides and along the edges of the woods.
Bark/Stem DescriptionSmooth, light grey with a scaly surface.
Leaf DescriptionPinnate, alternate leaves that are 16-30 cm long. They are dark green and glabrous above, paler beneath and generally serrated almost to the base.
Flower DescriptionNumerous white flowers produced in round clusters, 5-petaled, small and appear in June and July.
Fruit DescriptionBright orange-red berries that remain on the tree all winter and ripen in August and September.
Colour DescriptionFlowers are white in clusters, foliage is dark green, fruit is orange-red and autumn colour is rust-orange.

Photographs