Common Rowan tree identification

The Common Rowan Sorbus aucuparia is native to Europe, Turkey and north Africa. In Britain it grows naturally on hillsides up to 1000m and is often found in inaccessible locations such a steep hillsides and ravines to avoid the attention of herbivores. It is also known as the Mountain Ash, because its leaves are similar to the Common Ash, although it is not related. It can now be found in many streets, parks and gardens where it is planted for its early flowers and colourful berries. Whitebeams, Rowans and Service Trees are all members of the Sorbus family. There are 44 species and 8 hybrids in this family in Britain. The greatest diversity of Sorbus in Europe is seen in the Avon Gorge, Some of them are very rare and endangered. A related species Vilmorin’s Rowan Sorbus vilmorinii has fern-like leaves and rose-red to pink fruit and Kashmir RowanSorbus cashmiriana has white fruit.

Common Rowan tree identification – pinnate leaves with up to 15 leaflets, white flowers in spring, red berries in late summer. The tree bears clusters of white flowers in April and red berries in July. The berries are eaten by birds and are particularly sought by migrating species.