Rowan Blossom

30 May

The Rowan (aka mountain ash) tree blossom is now flowering so there should be excellent fruits later in the summer for the birds.

Rowan was once widely planted by houses as a protection against witches. The colour red was considered to be the best colour for fighting evil, and so the rowan’s bright red berries have been associated with magic and witches. In Ireland, it was planted near houses to protect them against spirits, and in Wales rowan trees were planted in churchyards. Cutting down a rowan was considered taboo in Scotland.

The wood was used as a pocket charm against rheumatism. It was also used to make divining rods. The old Celtic name, 'fid na ndruad', means wizards' tree.