The mystical, distinctive rowan tree is found higher in the mountains than any of Scotland's other native trees. Its botanical name is Sorbus aucuparia and it’s often called the ‘mountain ash’ despite having no relation to the ash tree.
 
In the past, superstitious residents planted rowan trees outside houses and in churchyards to ward off witches. And more recently, this favourable tree came second to the Scots pine in the running for Scotland’s national tree.
 
Lifespan: 120 years
Height: The rowan is a graceful narrow tree, that grows up to 15 metres tall.
Leaves: 11–15 toothed leaves cling to each branch head. These turn red during the autumn months.
Fruit: The bright red berries provide good autumn feeding for many birds, especially migrants from Scandinavia.
Flowers: The rowan has flat heads of cream coloured, heavily scented flowers.
Bark: Its bark is smooth and a purplish- or grey-brown.
Insect species it supports: 58
Native to: Northern Europe
Uses: Its strong flexible wood was used for making tool handles and sometimes longbows. The rowan’s red berries have a high vitamin C content and were made into a drink to combat scurvy. They are still used today to make a jelly to accompany meats.