Rowan trees

[RobinP]

Has anyone else noticed how the Rowans are absolutely groaning with berries at the moment? Surely way earlier than usual?

I'll post a photo when I get a moment.

[Adam Cheeseman]

It looks like being another bumper harvest for most 'berry' bearing plants. The plum trees along the Thames near me are heaving, especially the ones that taste like Malibu (I kid you not)! Possibly a bit earlier than the last two years, but then we have had proper weather at the right time this year and not late springs and summers as of recent years.

Cheers,

Adam

[RobinP]

Hope there's some left for the Waxwings this winter!

[Cheryl]

Originally Posted by RobinP

Has anyone else noticed how the Rowans are absolutely groaning with berries at the moment? Surely way earlier than usual?

I've noticed it here too Robin. I was thinking about collecting some to make Rowan Jelly except the recipie I have calls for 2:1 with crab apples and I think the rowans will be passed their best by the time my crab apples ripen

[solus]

Couldn't you freeze the Rowan berries until the crab apples are ready?

[wildherbalian85]

Originally Posted by Cheryl

I've noticed it here too Robin. I was thinking about collecting some to make Rowan Jelly except the recipie I have calls for 2:1 with crab apples and I think the rowans will be passed their best by the time my crab apples ripen

To be honest down here rowan berries don't stick out to me as ripening to early, thats said, i can not say in past years that i have taken much notice of them.

I have two links here one i do not know the country of origin

Link 1: This says harvest time is July - October

Rowan Berry

Link 2: is from Scotland and it says harvest time is August to November

ForestHarvest Species directory - Rowan

Now my guess is that like most other fruit the further north you are the later it comes into harvest.

I have seen loads of crab apple trees with mature looking apples down here, i won't be testing them though because i can't stand the taste.
Also some species of other wild (them reddish ones) apples (including our own) are reaching full maturity, this said there are other apple tree's and most of the pear trees that are no where near ripening

[Tormentil]

My Rowan looks to have no more than the usual crop of berries.

And a crab apple tree on my local patch has hardly any fruit on it. In fact Roger & I both remarked on the lack of blossom on this tree this year; yet last year it was absolutely laden with blossom & fruits later.

When trees produce a bumper bundle one year, do they get the next year off to recover ?? Like a tree holiday ??

[Monkey Orchid]

Originally Posted by Adam Cheeseman

The plum trees along the Thames near me are heaving, especially the ones that taste like Malibu (I kid you not)

Plums that taste of Malibu? Wow! Where exactly are these growing??

[larachmor]

Time to start trimming the rowan berries!! Put them in your freezer, and in the depths of a frozen winter (we get them occasionally up here!!) you can bring them out when times are hard for your blackbirds etc.

[2dogs2000]

My husband doesn't know much about trees but even he noticed the Rowan trees this year.