Rowan (Mountain ash)

Sorbus aucuparia

Small graceful European tree with feathery foliage and brilliant orange-red berries. Berries are exceptionally high in vitamin C and traditionally used in jellies and tonics.

Hardiness ratings

Rowan (Mountain ash) hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 3–7 −40 °C to −12.2 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H7 down to −20 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 3–7 −34 °C to −7 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–3 −15 °C to 0 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Berries are mildly toxic raw due to parasorbic acid — must be cooked or fully frost-ripened to convert to harmless sorbic acid
  • Bright autumn berries are one of the most striking late-season landscape features in cool climates
  • Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before using any plant medicinally

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Rowan (Mountain ash) against your zones

Reference

Rowan (Mountain ash) on Wikipedia