Growing Rowan Tree: Tips at a Glance
- Type Deciduous tree
- Life Span 70-100 years
- USDA Zones 4-8
- Light Sun or some shade
- Crown Upright, oval canopy
- Location Tolerates altitude
- Design Tip Compact drama
- Other Uses Berries for birds
- Peak Season Fiery in autumn
Rowan Trees: A Field Guide
Common rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) is pleasant enough in summer, with its distinctive pinnate leaves and agreeable shape and size. But in fall these smallish trees become unmissable.
Sorbus has bunches of orange, streaky pink, or white berries that glow in darkening skies. Although Sorbus is also known as mountain ash, it has nothing to do with Fraxinus excelsior, besides a resemblance in the leaves. To avoid confusion, stick with Sorbus or rowan. The main enemy to Sorbus is bacterial fire blight; the only solution is to replace the tree.
