Mountain Ash

Botanical Name: Sorbus americana

Other Common Names: American Rowan

Brief Description and Notes: Indicators include serrated compound leaflets, small white flower clusters May-July, and lots of red berries August through winter. This small native tree is technically part of the rose family, but they do have ash-like leaves. There’s a lot of interesting folklore around Rowan (typically the European sort) being a protective evil-warding tree.

Where To Look For It: Edges of bogs and swamps in cold climates; mountains with acidic soil; pine-filled forests; areas with more full sun than partial shade.

Ornamental Value: Small rounded form, attractive white flowers, beautiful red berries and winter interest

Ecological Value & Roles: Food for birds, butterflies, and a variety of mammals

Edibility and Other Human Use: Berries are bitter and best picked after a frost. They can be cooked with savory dishes or made into jams, meads, tinctures. etc.

Sources:

Missouri Botanical Garden

Forager Chef: Rowan Berries