Rowan Edulis

An attractive rowan with berries suitable for making rowan jelly, Sorbus aucuparia var. edulis is a hardy, rather slow-growing, deciduous tree with an upright, conical or pyramidal habit, rather more elegantly shaped than the normal rowan. The very navided leaves are larger and darker than the species turning yellow in autumn. Flat clusters of creamy-white flowers appear in late spring, and are good for butterflies and bees. The edible, orange-red berries are more abundant and larger than the species, with a sweet-sour flavour, and are very rich in vitamins; they are suitable for making a rowan or hedgerow jelly, but should not be eaten raw in large quantities – except by birds. Rowan edulis is drought-resistant once established and will cope with nutrient-poor soil.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Well drained, sandy, peaty, humus-rich, neutral to acid soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Spring to autumn
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 49’ (15m) Spread: 26’ (8m) in 20-50 years