The Rowan

celtic tree 21st Jan to 17th Feb

The name ‘Rowan’ may have been passed down from the old Norse name for the tree ‘Runa’ which means a charm, or the Swedish ‘Roon’ for red. As well as being known as the Mountain Ash, its folk names are many and varied, Wicken Tree, Quickenwood, Quickbane, Sorbapple, Witchenwood, Rune Tree, Witchbane and Whitty Tree being but a few! The botanical name Sorbus Aucuparia is interesting, in that ‘aucuparia’ shows the tree has fruit which can be used by the ‘auceps’ or bird catcher to bait his traps.

The tree is widespread in Europe, China and Russia growing in the wild places where soil may be slightly peaty and acidic, the rocks and streams of the high moors and mountains. It’s a true native in the rocky habitats of Wales and Scotland and can withstand poor soil and icy temperatures. The rowan loves light and space, and as it is a small, fairly short lived tree, not reaching much above 15 metres it doesn’t grow in the old woodlands or forests where it would be overshadowed by the oaks and pines.

The name ‘Rowan’ may have been passed down from the old Norse name for the tree ‘Runa’ which means a charm, or the Swedish ‘Roon’ for red. As well as being known as the Mountain Ash, its folk names are many and varied, Wicken Tree, Quickenwood, Quickbane, Sorbapple, Witchenwood, Rune Tree, Witchbane and Whitty Tree being but a few! The botanical name Sorbus Aucuparia is interesting, in that ‘aucuparia’ shows the tree has fruit which can be used by the ‘auceps’ or bird catcher to bait his traps.

The tree is widespread in Europe, China and Russia growing in the wild places where soil may be slightly peaty and acidic, the rocks and streams of the high moors and mountains. It’s a true native in the rocky habitats of Wales and Scotland and can withstand poor soil and icy temperatures. The rowan loves light and space, and as it is a small, fairly short lived tree, not reaching much above 15 metres it doesn’t grow in the old woodlands or forests where it would be overshadowed by the oaks and pines.

see more.....http://www.ecoenchantments.co.uk/myogham_rowanpage.htmlhttp://www.ecoenchantments.co.uk/myogham_rowanpage.html