Tree of the month: Rowan

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

Also known as ‘Mountain Ash’ thanks to its tolerance to higher elevations and leaves that resemble ash, few trees are as rich in tales of mysticism and folklore as the Rowan. It has toothed oval leaflets (smaller leaves within the main ‘leaf’) that are arranged a bit like a feather, and in late spring/early summer it produces clusters of creamy-white flowers. Once pollinated, these flowers develop into bright red berries – which is where the folklore associations lie.

In Ireland, rowan was commonly planted near houses as the colour red was thought to ward off evil – including witches. In Wales, you’d often find them planted in churchyards, and if you cut down a Rowan in Scotland, you were considered cursed!

Apart from fighting evil, the berries are a fantastic food source right through autumn for many species of bird – including waxwing, redstart, fieldfare and thrushes. They also make a deliciously tart jam once cooked – but don’t try eating them raw, they’re inedible to humans uncooked.

You can find a recipe for rowan berry jam on the Woodland Trust website.