A Rowan Tree (Sorbus aucuparia) beside a road in Ireland
Rowan trees are beautiful little trees which are part of the rose family. The tree is are also known as the sorbus trees (the genus is named Sorbus” from a Latin word meaning red brown), the quickbeam, or the mountain ash–although they are not closely related to the true ash trees. Because of their delicate beauty and great hardiness, rowan trees are a great favorite of landscape gardeners. The trees are covered with pretty five-petaled flowers in May and the flowers mature into large bunches of beautiful red or white berries in late summer. Rowan berries are too tart for human tastes when uncooked (plus the raw berries can be dangerous if eaten in huge quantities) however they can be cooked to make jams, jellies, chutneys, and teas. Birds are particularly drawn to the berries (which is the primary way that rowan trees distribute their seeds). Rowan trees have alternating pinnate leaves of a handsome medium green.
Rowan tree in bloom
Rowan trees of different species have spread through the northern hemisphere, however they seem to have originated in the mountains of west China (which is where the greatest genetic diversity of Rowan species is found). The berries of some of these Chinese species can be orange, pink, cream, or white.
In addition being loved by landscapers for their prettiness, Rowan trees have a special place in European folklore. Rowan trees were connected with the pre-Christian Scandinavian/Germanic goddess Sif, a golden haired beauty who was goddess of fertility, family, wedlock, grain, and beer (and basically everything worthwhile). Even after northern Europeans stopped worshipping Sif, the rowan tree kept its magical associations. Throughout the middle ages it was believed to prevent witches, bad luck and lightning. Sailors wore rowan charms and travelers invoked it for luck.
The Goddess Sif with a Rowan Bough and a Beer
The first house my parents bought when I was three was built by an Irish builder/developer who planted a rowan tree in the front yard. That tree featured vividly in my childhood (the berries were perfect for playing and throwing) and I still dream about it sometimes. It stands beautiful red and green near the center of the garden of my imagination.
ferrebeekeeper 
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August 16, 2013 at 12:28 AM
A Man Called Da-da (@AManCalledDada)
That’s it. Da-da’s planting a Rowan tree.
August 16, 2013 at 9:18 AM
Wayne
Good choice! I gave one to my parents several years ago and I am looking forward to white blossoms and red berries (and all sorts of birds). Remember, they are frequently sold as mountain ash trees.
August 19, 2013 at 4:50 PM
Ellen
My introduction to the Mountain Ash (or Rowan tree) came when I was five years old and my mother read me a children’s book called “Hitty, Her First Hundred Years” by Rachel Field (1929). The strange and astringent story is told from the point of view of a little wooden doll who was carved by an Irish peddler from the magical wood of the mountain ash. One writer believes that in writing of Hitty’s adventures, author Rachel Field was inspired by the story of adventures of Sinbad the Sailor and the Odyssey: http://hittypreble.com/odyssey.html
The main public library in Philadelphia used to be planted with mountain ash and yew, a very evocative combination, especially when both were studded with crimson berries in autumn. Years ago, when I lived on Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia I used to think of Hitty as I passed by the library every evening on my way to my home. I think today the mountain ash is no longer favored so much by landscapers as previously because it is rather susceptible to diseases here on the East Coast.
August 21, 2013 at 4:00 PM
Wayne
The Hitty story sounds amazing (as does the main library in Philly) but I am troubled to hear that the mountain ash is having disease troubles here where I live…come to think of it, I have never seen one in Brooklyn.