Tree comparisons
| Rowan Common Rowan | Birch Betula utilis jacquemontii | Birch Snow Queen | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Rowan or Mountain Ash, native to most parts of the UK. The leaves turn golden red in autumn, accompanied by clusters of red berries. One of the largest species of Sorbus. | The Himalayan White Birch, one of the most popular white birches with characteristic bright white bark. | An attractive tree, and one of the best forms of the Himalayan birch, with a bright white stem. | |
| remove | remove | remove |
Growing
| Rowan Common Rowan | Birch Betula utilis jacquemontii | Birch Snow Queen | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardening skill | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner |
| Attractive features | Attractive flowers Attractive fruit Attractive tree / plant Autumn foliage colour | Attractive bark Autumn foliage colour | Attractive bark Autumn foliage colour |
| Growth habit | Upright | Upright-spreading / Vase | Upright-spreading / Vase |
| Height after 10 years | 3m-5m / 10ft-16ft | 5m-8m / 16ft-25ft | 3m-5m / 10ft-16ft |
| Sunlight | Prefers full sun | Prefers full sun Some shade | |
| Pruning | Do not prune | Do not prune | |
| Growth rate | Average | Fast | |
| Site conditions | Windy site Occasional flooding Coastal site | Occasional flooding Occasional drought | Occasional flooding Occasional drought |
| Wildlife | Attractive to birds RHS Plants for Pollinators |
Identification
| Rowan Common Rowan | Birch Betula utilis jacquemontii | Birch Snow Queen | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flower colour | White | ||
| Flowering month | May June | ||
| Leaf colour | Green | Green | Green |
| Leaf colour - autumn | Orange / Red | Yellow | Yellow |
| Leaf/Flower sequence | Leaves appear first | ||
| Fruit colour | Red | ||
| Fruit persistence | Persistent | ||
| Bark | White | White | |
| Annual cycle | Deciduous | Deciduous | Deciduous |