By Emma Hogbin in Plants —

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
Rowan flowers, leaf, berries, tree

Identification

Its smooth bark is grey-brown and its leaves are complex – or pinnate in scientific terms. The leaf itself comprises 11-19 toothed, oblong leaflets, paired but with a terminating leaflet. The leaflets have no stalk of their own. Rowan trees flower in May and have bright red berries come autumn.

Botany

The rowan tree does not form forests of its own. It likes lots of light and can easily tolerate poor soil, if well drained.

Part of the plant to use

Berries

Lore

One of the most revered trees, being called the Tree of Inspiration, the Tree of Life, and the Wizard’s Tree. It whispers inspiration into our heart, and acts as a protector against enchantment.

Colour

Rowan ink cooked in alum; with iron added; and cooked in alkali

Greens: cooked in alum or acids

Greys: add iron II sulphate

Light reds: cooked in alkali