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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