Sorbus aucuparia

Mountain Ash Rowan Tree

Common Name: Mountain Ash, Quicken tree, Rowan
Latin Name: Sorbus aucuparia
Soil: Moist but well-drained
Position: Full sun
Flowering period/colour: May to June/White
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height/spread in 20 years: 6m x 3m
Special features: Attractive red berries in autumn.

Sorbus aucuparia is a British native that boasts delightful spring flowers, luscious green leaves and a vivid autumnal show of colour from both foliage and fruit: this really is a tree with so much to offer. In spring, the luscious green foliage emerges and brings the tree to life: the leaves are made up of pinnate leaflets that are serrated at their edges and pointed at their tips. In late spring and early summer, clusters of delicate white flowers appear. The tiny, single, creamy-white flowers pop up all over the tree and are somewhat alluring to bees and insects as they radiate light and sweet scent.

Autumn is by far the most exciting time for the delightful Aucuparia: it puts on a stunning show of colour before the leaves fall for winter. The feathery leaves turn to firey shades of deep red, burnt orange, which adds a real burst of colour to the garden as the dark nights draw in. At the same time, clusters of dazzling ruby-red berries adorn the branches and the juicy berries are irresistible to birds. The berries can disappear quickly, so if you want the fruit for rowan jelly, pick them as soon as they are ripe to avoid disappointment.

Once mature, this Rowan forms a fairly open and somewhat broad-headed tree: it makes a great specimen but also works well in groups. The Aucuparia, which is widely found across Britain and parts of Europe, is a tree that is tolerant of a range of conditions. This native Rowan can thrive in a range of soil types, but it does require the soil to be moist yet well-drained. Plant this tree in a sunny spot in your garden to see it flourish. We would recommend planting it alongside the delightful Sorbus Eastern Promise as the rosy pink berries of the Eastern Promise sit beautifully against the glossy red berries of the Aucuparia.