Rowan Sorbus aucuparia

From repelling witches to preventing scurvy, the rowan tree has a long and interesting history and mythology. Also known as the mountain ash for its ability to survive at high altitude, this hardy native to Britain is found almost everywhere, from cities to hilltops.

The rowan has long been associated with the supernatural. Planted in churchyards to keep the dead in their graves and thus stopping ghosts from disturbing the living, it has also traditionally been used to protect people and livestock from witches and sorcery. These practices were once commonplace in Scotland and Ireland where it is called rudha-an, meaning 'red one'.

This name only makes sense in the autumn when the red berries, for which the tree is famed, appear. The tree's leaves then turn from green to shades of yellow, orange and red before falling off until the following spring when the leaves and white flowers emerge.

Somewhat misleadingly, Sorbus aucuparia is also known as the mountain ash, when in fact it is not related to the common ash, or indeed any member of the family Oleaceae. Instead, it is named for its ability to survive in the mountains and lives at the highest altitude of all British broadleaved trees. Where conditions are harsh, it is often little more than a bush but in more temperate climates can grow up to 20m (65ft) in height.

The berries are high in vitamin C and were once used to prevent scurvy. Although sour when eaten raw, they are generally made into a jelly as a culinary accompaniment to game, such as deer or pheasant. However, birds are less fussy and will strip and eat a tree of its fruit in next to no time. This not only benefits the birds but also the tree. In eating and subsequently excreting the seeds that lie the rowan berries, the birds inadvertently increase the chances of finding a suitable habitat for germination. And as Sorbus aucauparia is so adaptable, it is unsurprising to find the tree widespread across Britain, Europe and beyond.