Mountain Ash, Rowan
Sorbus aucuparia

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A small tree which loses its leaves during the year. It grows 12-15 m tall and spreads 4.5-7.5 m wide. The bark is grey and smooth. The leaves are alternate and compound. The leaves are green, but whitish underneath and divided along the stalk. There are 9-17 leaflets. These are 3-5 cm long. There are teeth along the edge. They are usually hairy on both sides. The flowers are white and scented. They are on hairy stalks. The fruit are bright orange or red berries. They are large and 10-12 mm across. They occur in round topped clusters.

There are about 75 Sorbus species. It can be invasive.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows naturally in woodland and upland in the northern hemisphere. It is frost hardy. It suits hardiness zones 2-9. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Alaska, Andorra, Armenia, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Austria, Balkans, Belarus, Bosnia, Britain, Canada, Caucasus, China, Colombia, Estonia, Europe, Falklands, Finland, France, Georgia, Greece, Himalayas, Hungary, India, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mediterranean, New Zealand, North America, Northeastern India, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, San Marino, Scandinavia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine, USA

How it is used for food

The leafy shoots are eaten. The ripe fruit can be made into jelly which is eaten with game meat. They are eaten after the first frost. Also for jam. They are also made into a drink. They are high in Vitamin C. The dried fruit are ground into flour to make bread. Leaves and flowers are used to adulterate tea. CAUTION: The fruit can be poisonous if eaten raw.

It is sold in local markets. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Fruit, herb, leaves, spice, flowers, sap, caution

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Seed can take 2 years to germinate.

Its other names

Local names

Aroseni, Atkitia, Baltal, Battal, Belekenyer, Chacaha, Dogberry, European Mountain Ash, Jarebika, Jarzebina, Jerebika, Karusniak, Kus uvezi, Mts'oro, Pihlakas, Pihl'u, Piladzi, Rabina, Rangrek, Riabina, Rognebaer, Rowanberry, Ryabina, Sermuksnis, Skorucha, Skorusa, Wampulitsi

Synonyms

Pyrus aucuparia Gaertn.; Mespilus aucuparia All.;