Rowan
Sorbus aucuparia
Also called Mountain ash, European mountain ash and Quickbeam
Garden plant · TreesIt is the best small tree there is for birds — the berries are stripped inside a fortnight. Do not eat them raw yourself; RHS says ornamental only.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Once a weekWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Feed
- Not needed
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a very cold winter RHS H6, to -20°C
- Size
- 12 m tall · 6 m across
- Lifecycle
- Tree
- Origin
- Europe and Asia
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
PeopleHarmful if eaten
The raw berries.
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS says to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-03.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.