Rowan, Moutain Ash

Rowan grows best on dry, nutrient-rich grounds. It is found on sandy, loamy and peaty soils and is very resistant to frost. That's why rowan was one of the first woody plants to grow again in the Netherlands after the glacial period. Because of its tolerance to cold, it also grows well at high altitudes. Rowan is very popular among thrush, which explains why its name in other languages often refers to a bird. Many migrating birds on the Wadden Islands, such as fieldfares and redwings, forage in the autumn especially off of the berries of rowan, sea buckthorn and wild cherry. In various European countries, rowan berries are made into marmelade, used as a surrogate coffee bean or added to alchoholic drinks for flavor.