The Rowan Tree
Rowan Trees are an often overlooked native Irish tree. Although they are smaller than many other native trees, this does not make them any less beautiful. Typically they grow to a height of about 15 meters. In Irish, Rowan tree can be translated as Caorthann, which is also the Irish Translation for Mountain Ash. This is due to the fact that their leaves are very similar to the common ash tree, however, the trees are not related in any way.
Rowan Berries are especially enjoyed by Thrushes, other large songbirds, and migrating species. The Waxwing is one species that is especially fond of the Rowan tree. They breed in Scandanavia, however, in winter, if Rowan Berries become scarce in their home country they migrate to the UK and Ireland in search of a greater abundance of Rowan, and its berries. These birds are also responsible for dispersing the seed of the Rowan tree, thus we sometimes find what is called ‘Flying Rowan which refers to Rowans in unreachable areas like the Crown of another tree (e.g. Oak Tree).
Much like all the other native Irish trees we have, the Rowan is steeped in history and folklore. One piece of folklore from Irish shores regarding the Rowan was that, if you pluck the branch off of a Rowan tree and place it on top of the house with a piece of timber, your house would be safe from storms for 12 months.
Similarly in the British Isles, the Rowan has a long history that protects people, especially from witchcraft and enchantment. People also believed the color red was the best protection against magic, and so the rowan’s vibrant display of berries in autumn may have further contributed to its protective abilities.
Meanwhile, in Norse Mythology, the Rowan is known as the tree from which the first woman was made, while also being the tree that, according to legend, saved Thor from being swept away by a river in the Underworld.
As you can see, the Rowan tree is a special tree full of life & color. It is famous for being very kind to nature and the world around it. This makes it a perfect addition to our range of native trees planted on Cloudforest One in Lahinch Co. Clare.
