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.
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