Rowan Sorbus 'Schouten'
ABOUT
The plant known as Sorbus 'Schouten', often referred to by its common name, the rowan or mountain ash, features a distinct and attractive appearance. Its most notable characteristic is the pinnate leaves which typically have several pairs of leaflets plus one at the tip, generating a feathery, soft look. In the growing season, the leaves are a lush green, which provides a vibrant backdrop to any other colors the tree exhibits throughout the year. One of the highlights of this plant is the flowers it produces. These flowers often appear in dense clusters and can present a creamy white hue that contrasts beautifully with the green leaves. These flower clusters can add a decorative, ornamental quality to the plant when in bloom. As the seasons progress, the flowers give way to clusters of fruit. The fruit are usually small, globular, and can range in color, often appearing in a rich hue. These berries not only provide visual interest as they ripen but can also attract wildlife, such as birds, that come to feast on them. The bark of the Sorbus 'Schouten' is another notable feature, often providing a sturdy-looking, textured surface that complements the overall appearance of the plant. The twisting and turning branches spread in a way that provides a year-round structural interest, no matter the season. Throughout the year, the aesthetic of the Sorbus 'Schouten' transitions, adding a dynamic quality to the landscape with its seasonal changes from the fresh green of new leaves to the potential of autumn colors, making it a versatile and appealing choice for many plant enthusiasts and gardeners seeking to enhance their outdoor spaces with ornamental plants.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Schouten Mountain Ash, Schouten Rowan
Common names
Sorbus 'Schouten'
ToxicityTo humans
The Sorbus 'Schouten', commonly known as a variety of Rowan or Mountain Ash, is not typically considered highly toxic to humans. However, the seeds inside the berries contain a compound similar to amygdalin, which can release cyanide into the body when digested. Consuming large quantities of the seeds could potentially lead to symptoms of cyanide poisoning, which include headache, confusion, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and could be life-threatening in severe cases. It is generally advised to avoid eating the seeds, and to consume the berries in moderation if at all.
To pets
Similar to their effects on humans, the berries of the Rowan or Mountain Ash plant, especially the seeds, can be toxic to pets. The seeds contain compounds that can release cyanide when digested. Ingesting significant amounts of these seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning in pets, with symptoms such as drooling, difficulty breathing, seizures, and in extreme cases, could be fatal. Pet owners should prevent their animals from eating the berries or seeds of the Rowan to avoid the risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 meters)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.6-6.1 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its ornamental leaves and seasonal color changes.
- Wildlife Attraction: Produces berries that serve as a food source for birds and other wildlife.
- Shade Provider: Can offer shade in landscaped areas due to its canopy.
- Easy Maintenance: Typically requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Durable: Often resistant to common diseases and pests, ensuring longevity in appropriate climates.
- Seasonal Interest: Features flowers in the spring and colorful foliage in the fall, contributing to year-round garden appeal.
- Urban Tolerance: Capable of withstanding urban conditions, including pollution and limited soil space.
- Privacy: Can be used as a hedge or screen to create private spaces within a garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sorbus 'Schouten', commonly known as Mountain Ash, can have its wood used for crafting small wooden objects, such as handles for tools or carved figurines, due to its fine grain and workability.
- The berries of the Mountain Ash can be used for making natural dyes, with various parts of the plant yielding different shades, ranging from greens to yellows depending on the mordant used.
- The tree can be planted as part of a wildlife garden to attract birds, as many bird species are fond of its berries, providing an important food source for them, especially in winter.
- Mountain Ash can be used as a larger bonsai specimen, offering a challenge for bonsai enthusiasts due to its faster growth and larger leaves compared to traditional bonsai trees.
- Its strong root system makes it useful for erosion control on slopes or banks, helping to stabilize soil and prevent landslides.
- Since Sorbus 'Schouten' displays vibrant autumn foliage, its branches can be collected and used as part of fall-themed floral arrangements or decorations.
- The resilience of the Mountain Ash to cold temperatures makes it suitable for creating windbreaks or hedgerows in exposed and colder regions.
- The tree can serve as a natural trellis for climbing plants, with its sturdy branches providing support for vines to grow up and intertwine with.
- In landscaping, Sorbus 'Schouten' can be used to create a focal point in garden designs, particularly because of its decorative berries and bright foliage.
- The fallen leaves of the Mountain Ash can be added to a compost heap, where they decompose and enrich the compost with nutrients beneficial for garden plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rowan tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rowan tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: The Rowan tree, which Sorbus 'Schouten' is a cultivar of, has traditionally been considered a symbol of protection. It was believed to ward off evil and was often planted near homes for this purpose.
- Wisdom: The Rowan is also associated with wisdom, partly because of its association with the Norse god Odin, who was the god of wisdom and war.
- Life and Vitality: The vibrant berries of the Rowan tree signify life and vitality. Their bright red color is seen as a burst of energy and a representation of life force.
- Magical properties: In folklore, Rowan trees were often thought to possess magical properties that could enhance one's ability to tap into higher powers or the mystical.
WaterRowan trees like Sorbus 'Schouten' should be watered thoroughly during dry spells, especially within the first few years of planting to establish a deep root system. Newly planted trees require watering once a week with about 1–2 gallons, depending on the size of the tree and soil conditions. As it matures, water the Rowan tree less frequently; it will tolerate some drought. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as Rowan trees do not like standing water.
LightRowan trees, such as Sorbus 'Schouten', thrive best in full sun to partial shade. They require at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot would be in an area where they can soak up the morning sun and receive some dappled light in the afternoon, avoiding the intense heat of late day.
TemperatureRowan trees like Sorbus 'Schouten' are hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. They can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F and as high as around 90°F. The ideal temperature range for these trees is between 50°F and 70°F.
PruningRowan trees, such as Sorbus 'Schouten', should be pruned to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, ensuring the tree maintains a healthy structure. Prune during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light annual pruning is recommended to shape the tree and promote vigorous growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Sorbus 'Schouten', commonly known as Rowan, is well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral in pH. A mix containing loamy garden soil, peat, and perlite would suit it well, aiming for a pH range between 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingRowan trees such as the Sorbus 'Schouten' are typically not repotted often since they are outdoor plants. However, if grown in containers, they may require repotting every few years to ensure adequate room for root growth.
Humidity & MistingRowan trees like the Sorbus 'Schouten' are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions, as they are primarily outdoor plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Sorbus 'Schouten' in bright indirect light, cool temps, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant Sorbus 'Schouten' in well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA.
Life cycleThe Sorbus 'Schouten', also known as Rowan or Mountain Ash, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which generally requires stratification to break dormancy. Once germinated, the seedling emerges and establishes itself, entering a period of vegetative growth where it develops leaves, stems, and a root system. After a few years, the plant reaches maturity and enters into its reproductive phase, flowering in the spring with clusters of small, white flowers that are attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, these flowers develop into bright red or orange berries by late summer or fall, which are then dispersed by birds and other animals, assisting in seed spread. The tree experiences a period of dormancy during winter, where growth ceases and the leaves may fall. Across its lifespan, which can extend to several decades, the Rowan undergoes cycles of growth, reproduction, and dormancy, allowing it to thrive and regenerate year after year.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter
The most popular method of propagating the Sorbus, commonly known as Rowan or Mountain Ash, is through seed sowing. Typically, seeds are best sown in the fall, right after they are harvested, to allow for a natural stratification period during the winter months. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining seed starting mix, at a depth of approximately half an inch (1.27 cm); they can be expected to germinate in the following spring. Care should be taken to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It's important to note that seeds taken from cultivars like 'Schouten' may not come true to type, due to cross-pollination, and may show variability in the offspring.
