White-/Pink-/Crimson-fruited Rowans

Rose family Rosaceae

Origin: China & the Himalayas

Members of the genus Sorbus are able to produce fertile seed via non-sexual reproduction, where seedlings are genetically identical to the parent i.e. clones. Many species will hybridise, and the hybrids are also able to produce clones. The result is numerous so-called ‘microspecies’ which are genetically distinct but resemble each other very closely in appearance.

A practical way of identifying these microspecies is to divide them into only two groups, based on their fruits. The first group contains all rowans with yellow, orange or vermillion fruits.

Description: Slender tree up to10m with an open, domed crown or with spreading branches. Leaves alternate, pinnate, with 6 to 14 pairs of leaflets. Leaflets 2-3cm, oblong, toothed in the upper half, usually with white or rusty hairs beneath, at least along the veins. Flowers 6-7mm across, white or pale pink, in flat or slightly domed clusters. Fruits globose or ovoid, usually white but also pink or crimson then fading towards white.

Comments: Rowans are the pinnate-leaved species of Sorbus (the remaining species are whitebeams and service-trees). They are among of the most distinctive small trees, especially in flower or fruit. Most species produce bright autumn colours.

These white-, pink- and crimson-fruited rowans are all introductions from eastern Asia.

Similar trees:

• Other rowans
• Elder (Sambucus nigra)