rowan

Everyday

1. A rowan is a small tree with feathery leaves and bunches of bright red-orange berries in autumn, also called a mountain ash. tree →
2. (a name) Rowan is a first name for boys and girls. tree →

In the lessons

In science and nature lessons, birds eat rowan berries in autumn; in folklore in Scotland and Ireland, a rowan near a house was said to keep away witches. Phrases: rowan berries, rowan tree.

Examples

• Birds ate the rowan berries. tree →
• A rowan tree grows by our gate. tree →
• The rowan's berries are bright red. tree →
• Rowan is in Year 5. tree →
• Old stories say rowan keeps witches away. tree →
• Rowan leaves look like feathers. tree →
• Between the crevices there grew a little rowan tree and four alder bushes. tree →

Note

Say ROH-un (Scotland also ROW-un). As a name, capital R. Rowan berries are not for eating raw.