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European mountain ash trees are not in the ash family, though there is a marked resemblance between their leaves. They are often called rowan trees. These are elegant trees with a mystical history, and were planted outside of homes because the rowan tree berries were reputed to keep witches and evil away.
Are mountain ash and rowan trees the same? They are exactly the same tree. Read on for more information on these trees.
European mountain ash trees are not true ash trees, nor is the tree found in the ash genus, Fraxinus. Rather, the tree’s botanical name is Sorbus aucuparia and it is native to Europe and Asia, not North America. However, the tree has been planted in Canada and the northern US as an ornamental and it has naturalized there.
Mountain ash trees are small, deciduous trees that grow to 40 feet (13 m.) with compound leaves. They have narrow canopies while young but fill out as they mature, growing to 25 feet (7 m.) wide.
Rowan mountain ash trees, also known as European mountain ash or sorbus aucuparia, are stunning ornamental trees that provide great interest in the garden throughout the seasons With their clusters of white spring flowers, vibrant orange-red fall berries, and colorful autumn leaf display, it’s no wonder gardeners seek out these trees to add visual appeal and wildlife value to their landscapes. Luckily, rowan mountain ash trees are readily available from a number of reputable online nurseries and garden centers. This article will highlight where you can find high-quality specimens for sale
A Brief Overview of Rowan Mountain Ash
Before discussing where to find rowan mountain ash for sale, let’s briefly go over what makes this tree so desirable. Rowan mountain ash is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree, growing 20-40 feet tall and almost as wide. It has an upright, rounded form with gracefully arching branches. The pinnate leaves emerge a soft green in spring, turning various shades of yellow, orange and red in the fall.
One of the biggest attractions of mountain ash trees are the large, domed clusters of creamy white flowers that bloom in late spring These flowers attract pollinators before giving way to bunches of bright orange-red fruits in late summer The fruits are a vital food source for birds and wildlife in winter.
In addition to its ornamental qualities, rowan mountain ash is very hardy, surviving temperatures as low as -45°F when established. It thrives in zones 2-7 and does best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. The shallow root system benefits from mulching. This adaptable, low-maintenance tree is ideal for northern climates.
Where to Buy Rowan Mountain Ash Trees Online
Searching online opens up numerous options for buying rowan mountain ash trees, often at better prices than local garden centers. Here are some recommended online nurseries for finding high-quality mountain ash for sale:
Burnt Ridge Nursery
Based in Washington state, Burnt Ridge Nursery offers both European and serviceberry mountain ash varieties for sale in 3-4 foot bare root saplings. Their trees are grown on their certified organic farm. Burnt Ridge Nursery ships rowan mountain ash saplings in winter and spring.
The Tree Center
The Tree Center carries European mountain ash saplings in 3-4 foot bare roots and 7 gallon containers. Their bare root trees ship in spring and fall, while the potted specimens ship year-round. The Tree Center provides helpful guidance on planting and caring for mountain ash trees.
Fast Growing Trees Nursery
Florida-based Fast Growing Trees Nursery sells European mountain ash in 3-4 foot bare roots or 3 gallon containers. Their bare root trees ship in spring or fall, while the potted plants can be shipped year-round. Fast Growing Trees Nursery promises healthy, viable trees and excellent customer service.
The Tree Store
At The Tree Store you can purchase rowan mountain ash bare root saplings in smaller, 2-3 foot sizes, perfect for more budget-conscious gardeners. Their bare root trees ship in spring or fall. The Tree Store is based in Wisconsin and focuses on cold-hardy specimens suitable for northern planting zones.
Nature Hills Nursery
Nature Hills Nursery carries larger rowan mountain ash trees, including 5-6 foot bare roots and up to 2 inch caliper balled and burlapped trees. As a fuller, mature tree, their mountain ash costs more than a sapling. Nature Hills ships at optimal planting times based on your location.
Stark Bro’s Nurseries
Missouri-based Stark Bro’s offers own-root European mountain ash varieties (no grafting) in 2-3 foot bare roots for spring shipping. Their mountain ash trees come with a 1 year guarantee. Stark Bro’s provides ample tips on choosing, planting, and caring for mountain ash.
What to Look for When Buying Rowan Mountain Ash Trees
When shopping for rowan mountain ash trees online or at local garden centers, keep the following tips in mind:
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Purchase from reputable suppliers – Stick to established nurseries with strong customer satisfaction ratings and guarantees. This ensures healthy, viable planting stock.
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Check for signs of disease/pests – Avoid trees with spots, wilting, webs or other evidence of problems. Select specimens with intact bark and solid root systems.
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Consider optimal shipping times – Bare root mountain ash does best planted in spring or fall. Potted trees ship more readily but may become root bound.
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Match size to your needs – Smaller saplings are more affordable, while larger trees provide instant impact. Ensure the mature height suits your goals.
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Compare pricing – Shop around, as mountain ash prices can vary. Consider value alongside budget constraints.
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Look for cold hardiness – Seek out mountain ash varieties suited for your growing zone, especially if planting in northern climates.
Caring for Your Rowan Mountain Ash Tree
Once you’ve acquired a healthy specimen, proper care and maintenance will keep your rowan mountain ash tree thriving for years to come. Here are some tips for success:
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Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-draining soil. Amend soil with compost at planting if needed.
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Water deeply once a week for the first year. Then provide supplemental water during drought.
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Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Avoid mulch touching the trunk.
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Prune only for shaping and to remove dead branches. Avoid heavy pruning.
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Fertilize in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer to encourage growth.
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Monitor for common pests like aphids and treat organically at first sight.
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Protect young trees from deer, rabbits and other wildlife that may nibble on tender bark.
With proper site selection, planting, and care, your rowan mountain ash will reward you with years of seasonal interest, effortless charm, and bountiful berries for the birds. Any of the online suppliers above can help you find a beautiful specimen tailored to your landscape needs. The vibrant flowers, fall color, and winter berries will bring joy to your garden for years to come.
Benefits of Planting Rowan Trees
The foliage of rowan trees is very appealing, with many leaflets making up each compound leaf. The pinnate leaves turn fiery colors in fall, from yellow to reddish-purple. The bark is smooth and silvery grey, and leaf buds are purple and hairy.
Rowan trees produce white flowers in spring that develop into the famous, blood-red rowan tree berries. It is these berries that gave rowan trees their mystic aspect, since they were long believed to keep black magic and curses away.
Rowan Tree Growing Conditions
Many in Europe, especially England, refer to this tree as a rowan tree, which can be confusing. Are mountain ash and rowan trees the same? They are.
Both these terms are common names used for Sorbus aucuparia trees, which thrive in relatively cool-winter areas like U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 6. That means that rowan tree growing conditions are the same as mountain ash growing conditions, and that European mountain ash care will also be rowan tree care.
These trees prefer a full sun location, but they can grow in light shade. The ideal rowan tree growing conditions include well-drained, acidic soil and adequate irrigation.Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
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The Magick of Rowan
FAQ
Can rowan trees grow in the US?
Yes, Rowan trees can grow in the US. Specifically, they thrive in the colder regions of the US, particularly in hardiness zones 3a to 7b, which includes states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and parts of New York. While the European Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) is not native, it has naturalized in some areas of the northern US and Canada.
What is the best time to plant a rowan tree?
How to plant a rowan tree. Plant bare-root trees between November and March, and pot-grown trees any time of year unless the soil is frozen. Dig a square hole and remove weed roots. Fork the soil to make it pliable.
Where is the best place to plant a mountain ash tree?
The majority of mountain ash species and varieties aren’t too fussy about their position – they will grow in open, sunny sites or partial shade. They prefer a fertile, well-drained soil enriched with lots of organic matter, which holds plenty of moisture in spring and summer, doesn’t dry out or become waterlogged.
Is a rowan tree the same as an ash tree?
The main differences are: Mature rowan trees are much smaller than ash trees, growing to only 10 metres tall, compared to up to 30-40 metres in a mature ash tree.