Rowan Tree

[Phoebe]

Thanks Jez, I have been searching rowan and I did find sonm with berries and no leaves so I am beginning to think it is a Rowan. Can't wait to go see it now! Everyone passes comment on it because it is so bright against the darker backdrop of trees. The main trees here are Oak (lots of) and Ash, I have an Ash in the garden but don't know which one it is but it is a great deal taller than the one in the lane

[Jez]

Originally Posted by Phoebe

Thanks Jez, I have been searching rowan and I did find sonm with berries and no leaves so I am beginning to think it is a Rowan. Can't wait to go see it now! Everyone passes comment on it because it is so bright against the darker backdrop of trees. The main trees here are Oak (lots of) and Ash, I have an Ash in the garden but don't know which one it is but it is a great deal taller than the one in the lane

Maybe just an older Ash I guess!?!

[Jez]

In County Sligo, Ireland, people say Rowan originally came from Faeryland (the land of promise). this land was home of the deDannan- the fair folk of Eire. When they came to Ireland, they bought with them Rowan berries, one of which fell to the ground in the wood of Dubhros. From this one berry grew a beautiful tree which embodied all the virtues of the Rowan. It is said it's berries tasted like sweet honey, and all who ate felt cheerful & young.

In Scotland the land of Ron Rowan trees are often found near stone circles and they hold great power due to there association with Faeries attracted to celebrations held at the circles.

[Mungo]

I think we should all plant one - they are only £2.00 on a famous auction site and are 3ft already

[Tursiops2]

Originally Posted by Phoebe

The only thing is, is that when the berries are on there seems to be no leaves left and I don't know if that's what happens with a Rowan?

Simple answer: Yes Rowan is deciduous - the leaves fall in autumn, and the berries persist over winter (until they get eaten, that is).

For those who are interested, Whitebeam (Sorbus aria) is a close relative of Rowan which will grow on neutral/alkaline soil and produce similar fruit which is attractive to birds.
T2

[Jez]

Thanks for answering that T2!

All my days working through winter, pedaling through Bewdley to Kidderminster and back it's always been dark, hence why I never have seen berries during Winter!

The only way I would have known was if my Rowan flurished and I saw the berries on days off, not that is going to happen now!

Cheers, that's been a great help!!!

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by Poirot

Tell you what there isn't alot of around here and thats yew trees, anyone seen a yew tree anywhere but in a church yard?

Again down to soil conditions - while yew will grow in all but very wet conditions it's really a native of well drained limestone. Of course on farmland its been rigourously persecuted because of its attractiveness, but poisonousness to stock. Survival in churchyards is down to superstition, (or if you prefer religious significance).

CM

[Rob Jones]

Originally Posted by Mungo

Are there different varieties of Rowan?

Yes, there are many. 'Joseph Rock' is a yellow berried hybrid which is particularly attractive to fruit eating birds.