I have recently become interested in a tree with a history deep in folklore, the Rowan tree, which in some Celtic languages means the famed. It's scientific name is Sorbus aucuparia and it comes from the Rosaceae family. Along with these names it has been known as the more common European Mountain Ash, the Gaelic Caorunn, the Welsh Cerddin, Ashberry, and in Europe as the Riabina. The tree thrives in Zone 3 but is found mostly in Europe form what I can tell.

The Rowan grows up to 40 ft. in height and spreads almost as wide. It grows 12 to 18 inches in a year but slows down with age. In the spring it shows clusters of white flowers after the leaves develop. Most cultivars develop large and heavy clusters of red-orange berries which are edible and used to make rowan jelly. The fern-like leaves turn red in the fall and many of these trees grow to be 100 years old or more. The wood is a pale brown or greyish-brown color and is used for carvings and firewood. It has also been used for an number of tools, dishes and for bows.

There have been several poems and songs with the Rowan tree mentioned in them. As for the folklore, the Rowan tree has been believed to have magical powers about it and has been used in Celtic, Druidic, Irish, and Norse legends. It's a symbol of beauty, hospitality, and protection, and has been used in charms against bewitchment. The druids used it to call spirits to aid in battle and it has been used to repel evil spirits.

To me, the Rowan is a beautiful tree full of life and history and is most definitely full of magic as all living things are. To one day practice my skills at gardening and watch one of these beautiful majesties grow on land of my own is a dream of mine. One I hope to share with others as others have shared with me.

These are some sights I found in my research:

Time Life Plant Encyclopedia

a sight on British trees: www.u-net.com./trees/p5-25.htm

a sight on the folklore: www.soomskaya.com/tree.html

Michigan State University Extension