This species used to be somewhat commonly planted in the Chicago, IL, region in the 1950's into the 1970's, in USDA zone 5a. It was a pre...Read Moretty plant with its handsome compound leaves, white flower clusters, orange berries in late summer and early fall, good orange fall color, and smooth gray bark. However, like white-barked birch species, it would be stressed by the hot, dry summers. Thus, it would live about 15 to 20 years until it was killed by borers, like the European White Birch. Mountain-ashes thrive in regions where the summers don't get really hot and/or dry, as in the northern woodlands. Up north in a better climate they can live about 50 years and grow about 1.5 feet/year. The leaves are about 5 to 9" long with 9 to 15 leaflets and leaflets about 3/4 to 2.5" long. I've seen two that were planted in the Philadelphia, PA, region of one in Pottstown and one in Glenmoore, doing well.
The tree is subject to having a ring cluster of eggs that encircle a branch once hatched could create problems. Where possible remove by ...Read Morehand and burn otherwise consult local authorities as to what type of spray you are allowed to use in your area.
John Kozlich
Myths: in the dairy, butter churns and other objects coming into contact with milk, were sometimes made of rowan wood, supposedly to prev...Read Moreent the milk turning (going sour). There may be some scientific support for this superstition.
Has pinnate, mid-dark green, toothed, lance shaped leaves which have red ...Read Moreand yellow Autumn colours. Bears corymbs (5 inch across) of small white flowers with prominant stamens. In Autumn it bears small, round, red berries. The whole tree looks very delicate and slender.
Flowers April-June.
Prefers neutral to acid, well drained, humus rich soil in full sun or dappled shade.
The berries are very attractive to small birds and the flowers carry nectar which the bees love so its a useful wildlife garden tree (space permitting).
The berries are edible (always make sure you have the correct identification) and sometimes used to make some vodkas, ales, wines and a jam.
Has a long history in Britain. In times past, it can be found as a magical tree in almost all of Europe's mythology. In fact there are so many myths, legends and ancient uses I can't possibly list them all here, so heres an overview.
In Britain it was thought as a protection against witchcraft as it bears a 5 pointed star at the base of each berry (have a look it is there!). It afforded such protection to all homes near it and was particularly useful with cattle and horses. Rowan boughs were hung over stable doors to prevent witches from riding the horses and hung in cow byres and dairies to prevent the cows and dairy products from enchantment. People even carried bits about with them. It must never be cut with a knife (according to folklore). It was also used for divination of metals. The bark and berries also yield a black dye.
I have some of these as bonsai - for which they are eminently suitable.
This is a group: [...Read More
This species used to be somewhat commonly planted in the Chicago, IL, region in the 1950's into the 1970's, in USDA zone 5a. It was a pre...Read More
The tree is subject to having a ring cluster of eggs that encircle a branch once hatched could create problems. Where possible remove by ...Read More
Myths: in the dairy, butter churns and other objects coming into contact with milk, were sometimes made of rowan wood, supposedly to prev...Read More
A conical shaped tree native to Europe and Asia.
Has pinnate, mid-dark green, toothed, lance shaped leaves which have red ...Read More