1. Native / Non-native Status
Native to the UK and widespread across Europe and Asia.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Pinnate (feather-like) with 9–15 narrow, toothed leaflets. Each leaflet is 2–6 cm long, arranged in opposite pairs with a single leaflet at the tip. Fresh green in summer, turning yellow or red in autumn.
Bark: Smooth and grey on young trees, becoming rougher and fissured with age.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Clusters of creamy-white flowers in late spring, strongly scented. These develop into bright orange-red berries, ripening in late summer and often lasting into early winter.
Overall shape: Usually a small to medium tree with a light, open crown and upright form; often multi-stemmed in the wild.
4. Typical Size
7–12 m tall, occasionally up to 20 m; spread typically 4–8 m.
5. Habitat & Range
One of the UK’s most widespread native trees, thriving in upland areas, hedgerows, rocky ground, and open woodland. Grows well in poor, acidic, and exposed soils; tolerant of high altitudes.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Pinnate leaves with many narrow leaflets.
Bright red-orange berry clusters.
Light, open crown and tolerance of harsh sites.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Creamy-white flowers in clusters.
Summer: Fresh green foliage and forming berry clusters.
Autumn: Foliage turns yellow to red; berries ripen bright orange-red.
Winter: Bare twigs; berries often persist into early winter.
8. Human Uses
Berries used traditionally for jellies, jams, wines, and flavouring spirits (must be cooked to remove bitterness).
Timber is pale, fine-grained, and used for tool handles, turnery, and walking sticks.
Historically planted near houses to ward off witches and evil spirits.
9. Wildlife Value
Flowers attract pollinators, especially bees and hoverflies.
Berries are a vital food source for thrushes, blackbirds, waxwings, and other birds.
Leaves feed caterpillars of moths including the large emerald and autumn green carpet.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
Known as the “witches’ tree” – rowan trees were often planted by homes and churches as protection against evil.
The name aucuparia comes from Latin, meaning “bird-catching,” a reference to the berries’ popularity with birds.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Adaptable; thrives in poor, acidic, or rocky soils, but also grows on loam and clay if well-drained.
Light: Best in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
Watering: Water regularly until established; tolerates dry, exposed sites once mature.
Spacing: 4–6 m apart for landscape planting.
Aftercare: Mulch around base to retain moisture. Protect saplings from browsing. Minimal pruning needed, only to remove dead or crossing branches.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Excellent – tolerant of pollution, poor soils, and exposed conditions.
Garden: Very suitable for medium or even small gardens due to modest size, attractive flowers, and bright berries.
Bees: good for bees!