Taxonomy
Sorbus aucuparia | Rowan | Caorthann
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not protected
Native status
Native
Species Biology
Identification
Flowers: May – June; clusters of
white flowers
Fruits: Clusters of red berries with orange pulp within
Habitat
Mountainous areas, rocky places, hedgerows, stream-sides, avoids calcareous soils
Life cycle
Perennial
Ex-situ conservation
Not known
Use
Food crop
Vegetative nature
Woody
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Widespread and common.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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Further information
A native of most of Europe. In the Mediterranean region it is confined to high altitudes in mountains. The juice within the berries has a laxative effect, which aids in seed dispersal when eaten by birds. The berries were used for cloth dye, jellies and flavour for mead by our Irish ancestors. The Celtic druids considered the Mountain Ash a lucky tree, who believed it contained magical fire prevention properties when hung in house. Tolerant of poor soils and is a good colonizer. The berries provide a food source for birds, particularly mistle thrushes who are known to guard trees