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The Mountain Ash or Rowan
Sorbus aucuparia
This species is usually found as a small tree on the Kinson Common, growing in hedgerows amongst other native trees. If planted alone, it has the potential to reach a mature height of at least 15m.
Its bark is smooth grey with distinctive pinnate leaves. Creamy flowers appear in May and by August the familiar bunches of scarlet fruits are easily observed on site. These fruits or berries are a real source of attraction by thrushes and blackbirds. These same birds perform a useful service to this tree by spreading its seeds far and wide around the Common.
Apart from acting as a nurse tree during the formation of forests, its wood has little economic value except for pole making. In olden days, Rowan berries were dried and ground into a crude flour for baking. A rich golden Jelly can be made from the berries but it is an acquired taste. In folklore, this species is reputed to have the ability to frighten away witches.
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