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Rowan (Mountain Ash): Caorthann: Sartus ancuparia.

A small attractive tree with paired leaflets, broad heads of white flowers, followed by red berries which are sought by fruit-eating birds, e.g. blackbirds and thrush. It can grow to a height of 20m and likes light soils. The trunk is sometimes forked. The bark is usually smooth and greyish-brown. The branches are angled upwards. Twigs are heiry, becoming smooth purplish brown. Leaves: growing alternately on stem, 5 - 9 pairs of oblong leaflets 3 - 6cm long, pointed sharp toothed, hairy, a paler green below, turning yellow or red in autumn. The leaf stalk is 2 - 4mm long. Fruit: many in broad head, berry-like, globular, bright red. Traditionally, the wood was used for handles of tools and bows.

The rowan tree hold a special place in Irish Folk beliefs. It was considered wise to plant a rowan beside the house to give protection. By tradition, red is the best colour against evil. It was also believed that it kept the dead from rising, helped to speed the hound, prevented fire charming when hung in the house and generally protected the home, milk and dairy.

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