Sorbus aucuparia, commonly called rowan and mountain-ash, is native to most of Europe except for the far south, and northern Asia this tough small to medium-sized tree is very tolerant of cold and exposure and is often found at high altitude on mountains-in the UK it occurs at up to 1 000m altitude, higher than any other tree, and in French Alps up to 2000m. It is very tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, including chalky soils, thin acid soils and even cracks in cliffs. It grows best in an open sunny position but will tolerate some shade but the flowers and fruit will not be so prolific. Rowan’s cope well with atmospheric pollution and is also suitable for coastal planting. Trees are in flower from April to May, and the berries ripen from late July to September depending on the geographical area, in mild climates they will produce a heavy crop of fruit each year from around 8-10 years onwards. These fruit are an important food resource for many species of birds notably Redwings, Fieldfares, Blackbirds, Mistle Thrushes, Chaffinches and Waxwings. The berries have a minor culinary use, due to the fact that they are usually quite bitter, but are used to make jam or jelly, with a distinctive bitter flavour, Rowan jelly is a traditional accompaniment to game and venison.