Wisley Gold Rowan Sorbus 'Wisley Gold'
ABOUT
Sorbus 'Wisley Gold', commonly known as a variety of Rowan or Mountain Ash, is a deciduous tree known for its elegant appearance. It comes into leaf in spring with a fresh display of pinnate foliage; the leaves are composed of multiple leaflets arranged along a central stem, which gives it a fine, feathery texture. Each leaflet is elongated with a serrated edge, and they together form a symmetrical and expansive canopy. The leaves start out with a bright green color and often take on hues of orange and red as they change color in the fall, before dropping off. This variety is particularly admired for its clusters of flowers, which bloom in the spring. The flowers are creamy white, small, and star-shaped, gathered in large, dense clusters known as corymbs, which can be quite showy when the tree is in full bloom. Following the flowering period, 'Wisley Gold' bears fruit in the form of berries, which are initially green but ripen to a golden yellow, adding a striking contrast against the foliage. The berries are small, round, and displayed in bunches; they are a notable feature in the fall and can persist into winter. The bark of this Rowan variety is smooth and has a greyish-brown tone that can become more textured and ridged with age. The branching structure of 'Wisley Gold' is well-defined, with branches that spread outwards, creating a graceful silhouette that adds visual interest to any garden space throughout the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Wisley Gold Rowan, Wisley Gold Mountain Ash, Wisley Gold Whitebeam
Common names
Sorbus 'Wisley Gold'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Sorbus 'Wisley Gold', commonly known as Rowan or Mountain Ash, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, the seeds of the fruit have a compound similar to amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested. Eating large quantities of the seeds may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, stomach pains, and more severe symptoms of cyanide poisoning like difficulty breathing and increased heart rate. It is generally advised to avoid consuming the seeds.
To pets
For pets, the Sorbus 'Wisley Gold', commonly referred to as Rowan or Mountain Ash, presents similar risks. The seeds contain a cyanide-inducing compound, which can be toxic if pets consume them in significant amounts. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. In high enough doses, cyanide toxicity from the seeds could potentially be fatal, so it's important to prevent pets from ingesting them.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
20 feet (6 meters)
Spread
15 feet (4.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Sorbus 'Wisley Gold' offers attractive foliage, flowers, and fruit, enhancing the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife Attraction: The berries produced are a valuable food source for birds, especially during winter months.
- Autumn Color: The leaves turn striking shades of red and orange in the fall, providing seasonal interest.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Compact Size: Its relatively small stature makes it suitable for urban gardens and smaller spaces.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal pruning and care once established, which is suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Pest Resistance: This variety is generally resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sorbus 'Wisley Gold', also known as Rowan, can be used in woodcrafting due to its dense wood, which is suitable for making small carved objects or handles for tools.
- Rowan berries can be used in the production of dyes, providing natural shades of green or beige depending on the mordant used.
- The Rowan tree's wood can make excellent walking sticks, as it is both strong and durable when properly seasoned.
- Its pleasant aesthetic makes Rowan ideal for bonsai, with some enthusiasts appreciating its foliage and berry display.
- The dense canopy and branching habit of Rowan trees can be utilized in landscape design to create natural privacy screens.
- Rowan branches, with their bright berries, can be used in floral arrangements, especially in autumn and winter to add a splash of color.
- Fallen Rowan leaves can be collected and added to compost heaps as they break down and enrich the soil with nutrients.
- The attractive autumn foliage of the Rowan makes it suitable for pressing and using in crafts such as making bookmarks or decorative artwork.
- Photographers and artists may find the Rowan tree, with its distinctive berries and foliage, a compelling subject for their work across different seasons.
- Bird enthusiasts might plant Rowan trees to attract fruit-eating birds, providing excellent opportunities for bird watching and photography.
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 'Wisley Gold' is a variety of, has traditionally been considered a tree of protection. Its presence was believed to ward off evil spirits.
- Wisdom: The name 'Wisley' in 'Wisley Gold' could be associated with wisdom, reflecting the knowledge and insight often connected with gardens and natural spaces like the RHS Garden Wisley, after which it may be named.
- Survival: Rowans are known for their hardiness and ability to survive in harsh conditions, symbolizing resilience and the ability to thrive despite challenges.
- Magic: In folklore, the rowan tree is often associated with magic and enchantment, symbolizing the mystical elements of nature.
- Healing: Rowan berries have been used in folk medicine, symbolizing healing and the nurturing aspects of nature.
WaterThe Rowan 'Wisley Gold' needs to be watered deeply to ensure moisture reaches the roots, but the frequency is dictated by the weather conditions and soil moisture levels. Generally, water every 7 to 10 days during dry periods, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water to the soil around the plant. It is essential to avoid overwatering and ensure adequate drainage as standing water can lead to root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant will be dormant and requires less moisture.
LightRowan 'Wisley Gold' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this tree is an area where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can also tolerate some shade. Avoid deep shade locations as this will negatively impact its growth and flowering potential.
TemperatureRowan 'Wisley Gold' is hardy and can handle a temperature range roughly between -20°F to 85°F. The optimal growing conditions are in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 7, which translates to an ideal temperature range from about 60°F to 70°F for active growth.
PruningPrune the Rowan 'Wisley Gold' to remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches and to maintain its shape. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring just before new growth starts. This tree does not require extensive pruning; doing it annually is usually sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Rowan 'Wisley Gold' thrives in well-drained loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Ideal soil mix can be made by blending garden soil, compost, and leaf mold to provide rich nutrients and good structure.
RepottingRowan 'Wisley Gold' being a tree, doesn't typically require repotting as it is planted outdoors; however, young trees should be planted in their permanent position after a year or two in a nursery.
Humidity & MistingRowan 'Wisley Gold' is adaptable to outdoor humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions for healthy growth, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Rowan 'Wisley Gold' is not suitable for indoor growth due to its size.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained, loamy soil in full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleWisley Gold rowan, like other perennial woody plants, begins its life cycle from a seed which germinates in spring, given appropriate conditions of moisture and temperature. The seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile sapling, which may go through several years of growth before reaching maturity. As a fully mature tree, Wisley Gold rowan flourishes, producing its characteristic pinnate leaves, and in spring, it blooms with clusters of white flowers. Following pollination, the flowers develop into ornamental golden-yellow berries by late summer, which persist into the fall and are often a food source for birds. The tree then enters a period of dormancy in winter, shedding its leaves and conserving energy for the next growing season. Throughout its lifetime, which can span several decades, it undergoes repeated cycles of growth, flowering, fruiting, and dormancy.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Sorbus 'Wisley Gold', commonly known as the Rowan or Mountain Ash, is by seed. This is typically done in the fall immediately after the berries ripen and the seeds are extracted. To propagate by seed, one should clean the seeds from the pulp and stratify them for 18-21 weeks at 39 degrees Fahrenheit (around 4 degrees Celsius) to break dormancy. After stratification, seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix, covered lightly with soil, and kept moist until germination, which may take several months. Seedlings require care to ensure they are not outcompeted by weeds and should be grown on for at least a couple of years before being planted out in their final positions.
