Common rowan ‘Edulis’

The sweet or Moravian rowan (f. edulis) is a variety of the common rowan; it was discovered in the 19th century in the Sudetes of Moravia and introduced into cultivation because of its attractive, tasty fruits.

Appearance: a medium-sized tree, 12-15m high and 5-7m wide, crown narrow-ovoid, slightly asymmetrical in old age, branches and shoots grow upwards, medium- or fast-growing, 25-50cm per year.

Flowers: white corymb-like inflorescences, appearing immediately after the leaves, late May – June, strong scent.

Fruits: orange-red, spherical, persist long on the branches, very decorative, larger and more numerous than in Sorbus aucuparia, branches sometimes bend under the weight of the fruits, taste less bitter, more sour, with a high vitamin C content.

Leaves: larger and darker than those of the original species, decorative autumn coloration, from yellow-orange to red.

Root system: very deep, stable.

Requirements: sun/partial shade, forms suckers, tolerant of high temperatures, prefers warmth, winter-hardy, wind-resistant, suitable for urban conditions.

Soils: from fresh to moist, acidic substrates, performs less well on dry calcareous soils.

Propagation: by seeds, root suckers, grafting.

Uses: very attractive as a specimen and group planting, woodland edges, avenues.

Zone: 4