Sorbus aucuparia

Rowan

Physical Traits & Growth

Typical max. heightiMaximum height in typical conditions, in metres. Full data also shows maximum achievable height in exceptional conditions.:
Up to 22m, typically less than 15m 1
20m 5
Typically up to 15m 6
18m 7

Max. canopy widthiLikely maximum horizontal width of the canopy, in metres:
Ovoid 1
4-8m wide 2
Open, domed 3

Size of shadowiSize of shadow based on a fully grown tree, categorised as low, medium or high: Low (113 sqm)

Canopy densityiShading intensity of the canopy when in full leaf. Categorised from open to dense.:
Moderately dense 1
Light 2

Leaf emergenceiTime of leaf emergence, categorised as very early, early, late, or evergreen: Early (Apr to Nov 1)

Growth rateiHow quickly the tree grows during establishment. Categorised as low, moderate or high, with very high used in exceptional cases.: Moderate 59

LongevityiExpected lifespan of the tree: 200+ years 2

Management & Systems

Typical systemsiCommon agroforestry or silvicultural systems where this species is used:
Lowland or upland 2
Very well suited to uplands 23
Arable and pasture systems 5

Approach to silvicultureiCoppicing and pollarding ability: Coppices well 3

Establishment requirementsiCommon requirements to establish the tree:
Requires protection from browsing for a considerable time 3
Sensitive to competition from grasses 5

Management requirementsiCommon long-term management needs such as pruning. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Minimal or no pruning 1

Pruning timeiOptimal season for pruning: Spring (late) to summer 1

Rowan, Reading, UK / Tom Staton / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

Products & Economy

Food productsiCommon food products such as fruits and nuts: Berries 1 used for juices, jelly, jams etc 5

Wood productsiCommon wood products, including timber, turnery, and pulp:
Turnery and speciality timber 15
Max YC 4 4

BiomassiCommon biomass products such as fuelwood: Occasionally used for fuelwood 5

Speciality productsiOther speciality and niche products: –

Time until market (food)iNumber of years until the tree produces food products: 3-5 years 11

Time until market (timber)iNumber of years until the tree produces wood products: Unknown

Ecology & Utility

Nutrient and organic matter accumulationiRough estimate of soil-improving properties, with larger and deeper-rooting trees predicted to have higher value. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Low – moderate root depth and low canopy area

Nitrogen fixationiNitrogen-fixing properties, categorised as yes or no: No

High carbon sequestrationiAll trees sequester carbon, but faster-growing, larger trees generally have higher sequestration potential.:
Short-term (20 years): Relatively low
Medium-term (40 years): Very low
Long-term (60 years): Very low

Native status in the UKiCategorised as native, long-established, or recent introduction.: Native 1

High wildlife valueiMost trees are likely to be of some value to wildlife, but some trees are of generally higher value to various wildlife groups:
Moderate 5
Highest value for leaf litter, blossom, and seeds 5

Pollinators

Flowering period (pollinator benefit)iTypical flowering months: May-Jun 1

High pollen and nectar value for pollinatorsiValue of flowers to pollinators: Moderate to high 1

Susceptibility & Risks

Risk of toxicity to livestockiReported potential toxicity to livestock, categorised as yes or no. Toxicity is complex and often context-specific.: None known

Risks to farming operationsiOther risks such as suckering roots, very large tree size, secondary host for aphids, and flammability: Winter host for the cereal aphid Rhopalosiphum insertum 4

Disease susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to diseases, e.g. fungal and bacterial disease:
Moderate
Susceptible to fireblight, European mountain ash ringspot-associated virus and silver leaf disease 3
May be susceptible to fireblight, apple canker, silver leaf and honey fungus 6

Invertebrate pest susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to invertebrate pests, e.g. aphids and other insects:
Moderate to high
May be susceptible to aphids, blister mites, scale insects, glasshouse red spider mite, sawflies 6

Vertebrate damage susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to vertebrate pests, e.g. squirrels and deer:
High
High sensitivity to browsing, especially by deer 357, moderately high palatability 8