Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

Common Names of Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia):

Rowan, Mountain Ash, European Rowan, Quickbeam

The Rowan is a multifaceted deciduous tree known for its historical, culinary, and medicinal importance:

Leaves: Pinnate (feather-like) with 11-17 elongated, oval leaflets featuring serrated edges. Includes a terminal leaflet.
Bark: Silvery-grey and smooth in young trees, becoming slightly rougher with age.
Flowers: Creamy white, small, in dense clusters (corymbs), blooming in late spring.
Fruits: Vibrant orange-red berries, spherical and about 1 cm in diameter, appearing in dense clusters from late summer to early autumn.
Height: Can grow up to 15 meters (approximately 50 feet).

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra): Has compound leaves and dark purple berries but different flower and berry arrangements.
Ash (Fraxinus excelsior): Similar compound leaves but distinct with winged seeds (samaras) and larger size.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.): Resembles Rowan due to similar leaves and berries but differs in berry color and flower arrangement.

Sorbus: Derived from the Latin word for "service tree."
Aucuparia: Comes from Latin "avis" (bird) and "capere" (to catch), indicating the tree’s attraction to birds.

Rowan can be foraged at different times of the year:

Rowan trees thrive in a variety of environments:

The Rowan tree provides several edible components:

Berries: High in vitamin C, used to make jams, jellies, syrups, and cordials. They need to be cooked before eating to reduce bitterness from sorbic acid.
Flowers: Can be used to make cordials, syrups, and infused into creams and milk.
Other Parts: Historically, bark, twigs, buds, leaves, and sap were also used as wild edibles.

Rowan has a rich history in traditional medicine:

Digestive Issues: Berries and bark used to treat digestive problems.
Astringent Qualities: Helps with sore eyes, bleeding, and rheumatism.
Respiratory Health: Used to treat asthma and colds.
Additional Uses: Leaves have also been used in various remedies. Caution is advised, as excessive consumption can lead to stomach irritation.

Rowan has various practical applications:

Wood: Hard and flexible, making it suitable for woodcraft items like baskets, cartwheels, kitchen implements, and crates.
Cosmetic Uses: Historically, berries were used in anti-aging skin masks, and branches to produce black dye.
Cultural Significance: Considered protective in folklore, often planted near homes to ward off witches and evil spirits. The bright berries are crucial for birds, providing a vital food source.

While generally safe, some precautions should be taken:

Raw Berries: Can be mildly toxic due to parasorbic acid, causing stomach upset. Cooking neutralizes this toxin.
Excessive Intake: Can lead to stomach irritation.
Seeds: Potentially contain compounds that can cause poisoning if consumed in large quantities.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Insufficient information on safety, so use during these periods is not recommended.

Timing: Best to harvest berries after the first frost to reduce bitterness. Flowers are best harvested in late spring.
Tools: Use scissors or a small knife to cut clusters of berries. Harvest gently to avoid damaging the plant.
Sustainability: Harvest responsibly, leaving some berries for wildlife and ensuring plant regeneration.

Berries:
- Fresh Use: Cook before eating to neutralize toxins.
- Drying: Spread berries on a tray and dry in a cool, dry place, or use a dehydrator.
- Freezing: Freeze berries for later use.
- Jam/Jelly: Cook berries with sugar to make preserves.
Flowers:
- Fresh Use: Immediately use for making cordials or syrups.
- Drying: Dry flowers for later use in teas or infusions.

Ethical Foraging: Obtain permission if foraging on private property and follow local regulations.
Proper Identification: Ensure correct identification to avoid confusing with inedible lookalikes.
Golden Rule: Only take what you need and leave plenty for wildlife, as rowan berries are a vital food source for birds.
Safety First: Always cook berries before consumption to avoid potential toxicity.