Rowan
Rowan navigation
The mystical, distinctive rowan tree is found higher in the mountains than any of Scotland's other native trees. Its botanical name is Sorbus aucuparia and it’s often called the ‘mountain ash’ despite having no relation to the ash tree.
The rowan came second to the Scots pine in the running for Scotland’s national tree.
Facts and statistics
Here are some interesting facts about rowan.
120 years.
The rowan is a graceful, narrow tree that grows up to 15 metres tall.
11 to 15 toothed leaves cling to each branch head. These turn red during the autumn months.
The bright red berries provide good autumn feeding for many birds, especially migrants from Scandinavia.
The rowan has flat heads of cream coloured, heavily scented flowers.
Its bark is smooth and purplish or grey-brown.
Rowan supports 58 insect species.
Northern Europe.
Its strong flexible wood was used for making tool handles and sometimes longbows.
The rowan’s red berries have a high vitamin C content and were made into a drink to combat scurvy. They're still used today to make a jelly to accompany meats.