Sorbus aucuparia
Rowan
Sorbus aucuparia, commonly known as the mountain ash or rowan, is a resilient deciduous tree valued for its medicinal properties. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, its berries are traditionally used to support digestive health and immune function, offering a natural remedy rooted in ancient herbal wisdom and folklore.
- Scientific name: Sorbus aucuparia
- Family: Rosaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified in the order Rosales and the family Rosaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Sorbus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Rosales | WCVP |
| Family | Rosaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Sorbus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Sorbus aucuparia, is recognized by various local names across different regions and languages. In Poland, it is called Jarząb pospolitý, while in Basque, it is referred to as Otsalizar. In Welsh, the plant is known as Håvurna, and in the Udmurt language, it is called Горд палэзь. Finally, in Hungarian, it is commonly known as madárberkenye.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | Jarząb pospolity | Wikidata |
| eu | Otsalizar | Wikidata |
| wa | Håvurna | Wikidata |
| udm | Горд палэзь | Wikidata |
| hu | madárberkenye | Wikidata |
| lv | Parastais pīlādzis | Wikidata |
| gl | Capudre | Wikidata |
| et | harilik pihlakas | Wikidata |
| de | Eberesche | Wikidata |
| ja | セイヨウナナカマド | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across several regions within Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, its presence is well-established throughout the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. The species also extends its range to the rugged terrain of Iceland. Together, these locations define its specific geographical footprint across the northern part of the continent.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known as the mountain ash, possesses several distinct components used in various traditional applications. Each individual leaf is pinnate, meaning it is composed of multiple small leaflets arranged along a central stem, and these leaves collectively form a lush, green canopy. The most notable medicinal and nutritional part of the species is the fruit, which appears in dense clusters. These small, red berries are highly valued for their vitamin content, and while a single fruit may seem insignificant, the abundance of these fruits provides a significant source of antioxidants.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fruit | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| berries | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Sorbus aucuparia has 25 reported phytochemicals identified across 31 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include chlorogenic acid, flavonoids, cynarin, proanthocyanidins, 2'-hydroxyaucuparin.
- Total chemicals
- 25
- Scientific sources
- 31
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| chlorogenic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| cynarin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| proanthocyanidins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 2'-hydroxyaucuparin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 4-hydroxycoumarin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Biphenyl | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| D-allose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| D-fructose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| D-glucose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Sorbus aucuparia has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Nephroprotective.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Nephroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Sorbus aucuparia has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, inflammation, nitro-oxidative stress, oxidative stress, urinary tract infections.
- Total uses
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| nitro-oxidative stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| urinary tract infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |