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Japanese rowan

How to identify Japanese rowan (Sorbus commixta)

Japanese rowan

Japanese rowan stands as a deciduous, small to moderately sized tree, reaching heights up to 23-33 feet (7-10 meters). Its rounded crown sits atop a trunk cloaked in brownish to silvery-grey bark. The foliage undergoes a striking seasonal transformation, flaunting deep purple to red leaves in autumn. During summer, clusters of white flowers bloom and give way to bright orange fruits come fall, offering visual appeal and sustenance for birds.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Japanese rowan

1

Deciduous tree up to 33 feet (10 meters) tall with brownish to silvery-grey bark.

2

Autumn leaves transition from deep purple to red hues, measuring 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm).

3

White flowers in dense corymbs with 5 delicate petals and 20 yellowish-white stamens.

4

Fruit cluster with small orange to red pomes, each 0.3 to 0.4 inches (8-10 mm) wide.

5

Distinct bluish underside on 11-15 leaflets in pinnate arrangement, adding to unique foliage.

Japanese rowanJapanese rowan

Detailed Traits of Japanese rowan

Leaf Features

The leaves of japanese rowan feature 11 to 15 leaflets and display a bluish underside. During the autumn season, they transform into deep purple to red hues, providing a vibrant display. Each leaf measures approximately 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) in length. The leaflets are arranged in a pinnate fashion, contributing to the plant's distinctive foliage. The leaves' unique coloration and structure make them an important characteristic for identification.

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Flower Features

The flowers of japanese rowan bloom in early summer, forming dense corymbs that measure 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) across. Each flower showcases five delicate white petals surrounding 20 yellowish-white stamens, creating a striking contrast. This vibrant floral display contributes to the tree's ornamental appeal and is a key identification feature. The flowers produce a light, pleasant scent, attracting various pollinators.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of japanese rowan manifests as a conspicuous cluster of small pomes, each measuring approximately 0.3 to 0.4 inches (8-10 mm) in diameter. Upon maturity in the fall, these fruits display a striking orange to red hue, which can serve as a compelling visual marker for species identification. The flesh of the fruit is commonly firm and bears a smooth texture. Each berry-like pome contains several small seeds at its core, typical of members of the Rosaceae family to which japanese rowan belongs. These fruits are often seen adorning the branches of the plant, adding a splash of vibrant color to the autumnal landscape.

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Key Facts About Japanese rowan

Attributes of Japanese rowan
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
6 m to 9 m
Spread
6 m to 9 m
Flower Color
White
Cream
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Japanese rowan

Family
Rose
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Genus
Sorbus
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Species
Japanese rowan (Sorbus commixta)
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Distribution Map of Japanese rowan

Japanese rowan, a deciduous tree native to temperate regions of Eastern Asia, thrives in its original habitat, including expansive boreal forests and temperate woodlands. The species has also been introduced and cultivated in other temperate areas around the globe, where it is appreciated for its ornamental qualities.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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