Rowan

Profile

Family

Rosaceae

Habit

Tree

Height

15 m

Spread

7 m

Growth

medium

Lifespan

80 years

First yield

after 5 years

Hardiness

zone 3–8

Shade tolerance

light shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam, Clay

Soil moisture

semi-dry – very moist

pH

6 – 8.5

Synonyms

Vogelbeere

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Fruit can be consumed raw or cooked, known for its high acidity that may lead to stomach issues in excessive amounts. It is commonly utilized for making tasty jams and preserves, and can also be dried and combined with grains to make flour. The fruit, approximately 7.5 mm in size, grows in sizeable clusters, facilitating the harvesting process. Its leaves and flowers are brewed as a tea alternative. While young leaves are considered emergency food, they contain a cyanogenic glycoside, so caution is advised. Additionally, the roasted seed is suggested as a coffee substitute in the report.

Medicinal: The fruit's bark is utilized for diarrhea treatment and as a vaginal injection for leukorrhea. The fruit itself has antiscorbutic and astringent properties, commonly used in jams or infusions for diarrhea and hemorrhoids. An infusion serves as a gargle for sore throats and a wash for hemorrhoids and excessive vaginal discharge. Removing the seeds is crucial due to their cyanogenic glycosides content, which can produce toxic hydrogen cyanide when in contact with water. Both the flowers and the fruit exhibit laxative, diuretic, and emmenagogue characteristics.

Other uses: Oil is obtained from the seeds of the plant. The fruits are utilized in facial masks for anti-wrinkle purposes. The young branches yield a dark dye. The plant as a whole is rich in tannin and serves as a dye source. The trees are resilient to wind and are ideal for windbreaks. The wood is tough, with a fine texture, dense, and flexible. It is favored by woodworkers and is employed in crafting tires, gears, and furniture.

Propagation

Seeds should be planted right after they mature, preferably in a cool environment. If there are enough seeds, they can also be planted in an outdoor seedbed. For better germination, it is recommended to stratify stored seeds in warm conditions for 2 weeks followed by cold conditions for 14-16 weeks. Therefore, it is advisable to sow them as early as possible in the year. Once the seedlings are big enough, transplant them into individual pots. During the first year or two, the seedlings will grow slowly upwards but will develop a strong root system. It is recommended to keep them in pots in a cool environment during the first winter and then transfer them to their permanent location in late spring.

Notable

Special features: tolerant to pollutants; hybridizes freely with other Sorbus species; produces special breeding selections/crosses with Aronia, medlar, hawthorn, ... =+ biodiversity (feeds 31 mammal, 72 insect, 63 bird species); bitter fruits are edible after frost, vinegar or cooking; rods as versatile magic wands; tree humus buildup;

Origin & habitat

Europe, from south and east of Iceland to Spain, Macedonia, and the Caucasus.

2400 meters.

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