Tree of the month....The Rowan

[sean]

As the title suggests this thread is intended to focus on one tree a month. It will hopefully be a celebration of our Native Trees in order to aid us all in learning as much as possible about them.

 

Our experiences working with them, fungal associations, pests and diseases, photographs, myths, legends and their place in the arts and culture. As said before a celebration and learning resource.

 

I thought we could use the Celtic Tree Ogham calendar as a starter whose origins lie with the Celtic tribes who migrated to Britain around 700 – 500bc. Trees were venerated by the ancients for their many gifts which were a mainstay of peoples lifestyles. Everybody was born under a particular tree (the same as our own zodiac sign) of which this months Tree ‘The Silver Birch’ was the first in the calender falling between 24th December and 20th January.

 

Hopefully this thread will work and we can collate all sorts of useful and interesting information about our native trees. I hope there are a few of you who feel the same.

 

This months tree covering the dates 21st Jan-19th Feb is ....

 

ROWAN (Sorbus Acuparia)

 

Also known as the Mountain Ash.

 

Has been used since ancient times as an astrigent and antibiotic.

 

A concoction of Rowan bark is an ancient remedy for diarrhoea (whether it works on its verbal variant is unknown but maybe SWB can try it out for us!)

 

Rowan seeds are poisonous to children....though for adults Rowan Berries were prepared as a gargle for sore throats and inflamed tonsils.

 

It's wood has been used for ship's masts and for poles and whips. spiondles and spinning wheels were traditionally made from rowan wood cut between Beltaine and midsummer.

 

So there's a start so what can we muster between us. Last months Silver Birch threw up some interesting stuff....hopefully we can improve on that however.

 

Once again...photo's facts anything Rowan related.

 

Cheers

[sean]

http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/tree-health-care/9269-sudden-dieback-rowan.html

[sean]

http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/tree-health-care/8603-whats-up-rowans.html

[RobArb]

did you know that if you cut a rowan down whilst in fruit the witches will come and get you..!!

[Graham]

Its wood is second only to yew for bow making.

[armchairarborist]

had some mad old woman tryin to tell me they are sacred ancient trees, not sure about that but the fastigiate form 'sheerwater seedling' is a common street tree. the berries can be used to make a dark orange jelly similar to marmalade, also can be distilled into alcohol..mmm. Ed

[David Humphries]

Posted a week or so ago on another thread, but seems appropriate to make a home here....

 

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[Charlieh]

heres one in a woodland i advise on, with the wife stood next to it there are several great examples like this round us, sorry the picture isnt great as it was dark and pre-dslr

[David Humphries]

Clergy of the month....The Rowan

 

 

 

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[David Humphries]

Comedian of the month....The Rowan

 

 

 

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