Plant · GBIF taxon 3012167
Sorbus aucuparia
sorbus aucupariaAlso known as Rowan, European Mountain-ash, European Rowan, Quickbeam
Rowan trees are hardy deciduous woody plants famous for their feathery, pinnate leaves and dense clusters of creamy white spring flowers. In autumn, they transform with brilliant orange-red foliage and heavy bunches of scarlet berries that provide a vital late-season food source for migrating songbirds. These resilient trees thrive in poor soils and high altitudes, often colonizing rocky crags and woodland edges across Europe and Asia.
DeciduousBerriesWildlife-Friendly
- diet
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
- family
- Rosaceae
- threats
- Habitat fragmentation, climate change, fire blight, deer browsing
- life Span
- 70 to 120 years
LC
Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone.
- Winter Birdwatching: Look for flocks of waxwings and thrushes feeding on the berries during cold months.
- Leaf Identification: Distinguish it from ash trees by checking for alternate leaf arrangement and serrated leaflets.
- Soil Tolerance: Plant in well-drained, acidic to neutral soil to enjoy its vibrant autumn colors.