The Rowan, Asplenifolia has a canopy of feathery fern-like leaves setting it apart from other Sorbus. A tree giving both grace and strength with lovely clusters of white flowers can appear from April, in May to early June giving a glorious array. Surrounded by the soft-green feathery leaves that turn to glowing oranges and red in the autumn. The berries, loved by birds develop over the summer ripening to dazzling orangey-red in the late summer and autumn.

A beautiful deciduous tree with an upright oval shape and an open canopy of feathery leaves, Asplenifolia is a good choice for a smaller garden. It likes moist fertile well-drained soil and prefers sun but will grow in partial shade.

A favourite and life saver for many birds, especially Thrush, Blackbirds, and if you are in luck the occasional Waxwing.  The blossom too is a good nectar for Bees and other little insects.

Cultivation: City/Urban, roadside, playgrounds, all gardens

Soil: Moist well-drained fertile soil, clay, loam, sand

Position: Sun, partial shade

Foliage: Deciduous, feathery deep cut and toothed fern like, good autumn colour

Flowering: Chandeliers of small white flowers from late April to June

Fruiting: Famed for their orange red berries, loved by birds

Habit: Upright open tidy canopy

Hardiness: Fully hardy

Growth: Fairly vigorous, to medium height

Benefits to Wildlife: Bees & birds, other wildlife

Height & Spread in Maturity:  8m x 4m

Of interest: The berries of the native Rowan and any of the cultivars are a favourite of many birds and the occasional visitor ‘the Waxwing’. A colourful crested bird and native of Scandinavia occasionally migrate to find food during harsh winters, we are glad to welcome them to Britain.