Sorbus aucuparia

If you don’t recognise its Latin name, then it’s equally happy to be known by either of its common names - Mountain Ash or Rowan.

Photo on right supplied by WTPL / Peter Paice from Belfast

Don’t worry if you don’t have a large, spacious garden. This ‘medium’ sized tree, being rather slim, is not greedy for space. The Rowan is a hardy species and will grow in most soils. However, if you do decide to give this attractive tree its rightful place in your garden, then it’s worth remembering that it ideally favours a light, well-drained soil.

The Rowan will reward you with a wonderful and prolonged display of colour. Early April sees this tree burst into leaf (that’s much earlier than some other native species such as the common ash or Fraxinus Excelsior). Clusters of white flowers adorn its branches in late spring, giving way to bright yellow berries in July. And to top it all, the yellow berries ripen to a blaze of brilliant orange/red during the month of August.

Photo on left supplied by : WTPL/ www.moorhen.demon.co.uk

The ripened berries, while a visual treat, are also an important and welcome source of food during the winter months for some of our favourite birds, such as thrushes. A wonderful sight and a simple, satisfying way of giving something back to nature.

The Rowan is sure to provide a huge amount of pleasure for you and your wildlife.

We'll be back next month with another tree for you to enjoy.

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