Our range of Rowan bare root trees (Sorbus aucuparia)

We have Sorbus aucuparia bare root plants in several sizes and specifications.   The 1+0 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were sown from seed in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months when dormant ie they are one year old.  We have Sorbus aucuparia bare root whips in several heights.

The 1U1, 2 year old specification plants are seedlings/whips which were planted from seed in the spring and instead of being sold in the following November to April period they are kept in situ in our fields and grown on for a further year which makes a strong bushy plant.  Their roots are undercut by specialised machine to help develop a fibrous root system.

We also have Sorbus aucuparia transplants which begin as one year old whips which are lifted, have their roots trimmed to encourage bushy growth and are then planted back out for one or more growing seasons in a different area of our fields at lower density to give each plant more space, nutrients and water. The specification 1+1 means that a one year old seedling has been grown on for an additional one year. 

All of these plants are grown by us on our farm in Herefordshire.

We always have several batches of seed of Sorbus aucuparia including UK provenance and the highest quality imported seed so if the seed provenance is particularly important to you, please give us a call so that we can allocate plants from the most appropriate batch.

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) Summary

Rowan (meaning "bird catching" trees from when hedgerows were netted to catch the songbirds), perhaps the prettiest of our natives trees, have the alternative name of mountain ash and that’s a dead giveaway that they do well in mountainous, high altitude situations particularly on the western side of Britain – in Scotland, the Lake District, and Wales.  They don’t much like hard surfaces so are not suitable to be used as in paved urban areas and they do not grow tall enough to make a good timber tree, but they are very useful in woodland settings due to their virtually year round flowers/berries which offer terrific wildlife value. They flower profusely and their orange/red berries which hang in large bunches are much appreciated by a range of birds.  There are very many cultivated varieties of Rowan tree but the one we grow is the native variety.

The wood is not renowned for its suitability for timber (Sorbus trees rarely grow to a sufficient size) but it is pliable and will not shatter under tension. A young rowan tree will bend all the way to the ground and then spring back straight again, as part of the trees' defence against wind and a function of their tensile strength.

Its upright habit makes it ideal as a hedgerow tree and its crop of red berries are very popular with blackbirds and thrushes.

Soil and Situation

Ideal conditions for Rowan trees are neutral to slightly acidic soils, well drained, moderately fertile soil but Rowan trees will grow on rocky outcrops – anything but heavy clay or very wet soils.  Rowans are a pioneer species of tree so prefer open sunlight.  They are good at high altitudes (hence Mountain Ash alternative name).

Leaves, flowers and fruit

The leaves are pinnate, and have 5 – 8 pairs of leaflets plus one at the end.  The leaflets are oval and toothed.  Leaves turn good autumn colours.  The flowers are creamy/white colour 5 petal drops in large trusses, strongly scented and excellent for a wide range of pollinating insects.  From these, orange/red berries (also in large clusters) develop, and the astringent fruits are very popular with a wide range of birds, particularly blackbirds, bullfinches and waxwings.  The fruits can be eaten by humans once cooked (generally as a jelly rich in vitamin C) but are poisonous to us when raw.  They must pass through the acid gut of a bird before the seeds can germinate.  Because of it's profuse berries and tolerance of altitude, Rowan trees are a very useful source of winter food for birds and deer will eat the bark, lichen and leaves.

The trunk and branches are smooth silver grey, often dappled with lichens and the winter buds are dark purple and slightly hairy.  The emerging leaves have a silvery tint, and the twigs are dark red.

Eventual height and growth rate

This is a medium sized tree growing to about 10m, with average growth rate.

Also known as Mountain Ash.  Rosaceae family.