Are you trying to decide between an ash tree and a rowan tree for your garden? Before you make a choice, it’s important to understand the differences between the two.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll be exploring the key distinctions in terms of growth rate, bark, leaves, height, and seeds.
Read on to discover which tree is the best fit for your needs.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Ash trees have a smooth, grey bark and their leaves are generally compound.
They are deciduous trees and usually grow to between 40-80 feet tall.
Rowan trees have a rough, reddish-brown bark and their leaves are simple with an alternate arrangement.
They are also deciduous trees and usually grow to between 30-50 feet tall.
The main difference between ash and rowan trees is their bark and leaf shape.
Overview of Ash Trees
Ash trees are a species of deciduous tree that can be found in many parts of the world.
They are usually taller than rowan trees, reaching heights of up to 120 feet.
The bark of ash trees is typically a smooth grey color and the leaves are compound with five to eleven leaflets.
The leaves of ash trees can also have a glossy sheen and are usually a deep, rich green color.
Ash trees are also known for their distinctive seeds, which are produced in clusters.
These seeds are often referred to as keys or helicopters due to their unique shape.
Ash trees are a popular choice for landscaping due to their fast growth rate and attractive foliage.
These trees are also resistant to many types of pests and diseases, making them a good option for home gardens.
Overview of Rowan Trees
Rowan trees, also known as mountain ash, are a species of deciduous trees that are native to many parts of the world.
They are typically shorter than ash trees, with an average height of between 15 and 25 feet.
Rowan trees are easily recognizable due to their smooth reddish-brown bark and simple leaves, which have serrated edges.
These leaves are usually between 2 and 4 inches in length and have a deep green color.
Rowan trees are generally low maintenance and require minimal pruning.
They are also resistant to most diseases and pests, making them a popular choice for landscaping.
Rowan trees are also known for their fragrant blossoms, which bloom in the spring and early summer.
These blossoms are usually a creamy white color and are followed by clusters of single seeds in the fall.
The seeds are edible and can be used to make jams and jellies.
Growth Rate Comparison
When it comes to growth rates, ash and rowan trees are similar.
Both species are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall.
Furthermore, both trees reach their full height in the same amount of time.
Ash trees typically reach heights of between 30 and 120 feet, while rowan trees typically reach heights of between 20 and 40 feet.
However, despite their similar growth rates, ash trees are typically taller than rowan trees.
In terms of growth rate, ash trees are faster growing than rowan trees.
Ash trees can grow up to three feet per season, while rowan trees typically grow only one foot per season.
This means that an ash tree can reach its full height in as little as 10 years, while a rowan tree can take up to 20 years to reach its full height.
In terms of life span, both species have similar life spans.
Ash trees can live up to 200 years, while rowan trees can live up to 250 years.
This means that both species can provide an abundance of shade and beauty for generations.
Bark Comparisons
When it comes to distinguishing between ash and rowan trees, one of the most obvious differences is in the bark of the two species.
Ash trees have a smooth, gray bark, while rowan trees have a smooth, reddish-brown bark.
The bark of both trees is relatively thin and can be easily peeled back if desired.
However, ash trees tend to have fewer ridges and furrows than rowan trees, making their bark look smoother overall.
Ash tree bark also tends to be a bit rougher than rowan bark, due to its higher tannin content.
This means that when touched, the bark of an ash tree will feel slightly more coarse than the bark of a rowan tree.
Additionally, ash tree bark is more likely to flake off, while the bark of a rowan tree is more likely to remain intact.
In terms of color, ash tree bark is usually a uniform shade of gray, while rowan tree bark can vary in color from light to dark brown.
The color of the bark on both species of trees also tends to change over time, with ash tree bark becoming darker and more gray and rowan tree bark becoming a darker, reddish-brown.
Overall, the bark of both species of trees is relatively thin and can be easily peeled back if desired.
However, the differences in color, texture, and ridges and furrows between ash and rowan tree bark can help you distinguish between the two species.
Leaf Comparisons
When it comes to comparing ash and rowan trees, one of the most notable differences between them is their leaves.
Ash trees have compound leaves that are composed of five to eleven leaflets.
These leaflets have a smooth texture and are usually a darker shade of green.
On the other hand, rowan trees have simple leaves that have serrated edges.
These leaves are usually lighter in color and have a glossy texture.
Additionally, the leaves of rowan trees are usually longer than the leaves of ash trees.
The shape of the leaves of these two species is also different.
Ash tree leaves are usually more oval in shape, while rowan tree leaves are usually more rounded in shape.
The veins of the leaves of ash trees are usually more prominent than those of rowan trees, and the leaves of ash trees tend to be thicker than those of rowan trees.
When it comes to color, ash tree leaves are usually a darker green and may have a slight bluish tint.
Rowan tree leaves, on the other hand, are usually a lighter green and may have a yellowish tinge.
In terms of texture, the leaves of ash trees are usually smooth, while the leaves of rowan trees tend to be glossy.
Finally, the way in which these two species of trees produce their seeds is also different.
Ash trees produce their seeds in groups, or clusters, while rowan trees produce single seeds.
This is one of the easiest ways to tell the difference between an ash tree and a rowan tree.
Height Comparisons
When it comes to the differences between ash and rowan trees, one of the most obvious factors is their height.
Ash trees typically grow to a height of between 30 and 120 feet, while rowan trees tend to be shorter, growing to a maximum of about 65 feet.
This makes ash trees the taller of the two species, and more suited to larger landscapes such as parks and gardens.
The differences in height between the two tree species can also have an effect on their life spans.
Ash trees can live for up to 200 years, while rowan trees are shorter-lived, with a maximum lifespan of about 80 years.
This means that if you’re looking for a tree to provide beauty and shade for generations to come, ash trees may be the better option.
The height of ash trees also affects their ability to resist wind and storms.
Ash trees with a height of 30 feet or more can withstand strong winds and heavy storms much better than shorter rowan trees, making them an ideal choice for areas that experience severe weather.
Seed Comparisons
When it comes to the differences between ash and rowan trees, one of the most obvious is the way that they produce their seeds.
Ash trees produce their seeds in clusters, or samaras, which are found in the shape of a helicopter.
Each samara has a single seed and a wing that allows it to be carried by the wind.
Rowan trees, on the other hand, produce single seeds that fall to the ground.
This is one of the easiest ways to tell the difference between the two trees, as the single seeds of the rowan tree are easily visible amongst the leaves.
Not only are the seeds of ash and rowan trees different, but the way that they propagate is also different.
Ash trees are wind pollinated, meaning that the pollen is spread by the wind, while rowan trees are insect pollinated.
This is due to the fact that the flowers of ash trees are not very attractive to insects, unlike the flowers of rowan trees.
Another way to distinguish ash and rowan trees is by the way that they disperse their seeds.
Ash trees rely mainly on the wind to disperse their seeds, while rowan trees rely on animals that eat their fruit to disperse their seeds.
This is because the seeds of the rowan tree are too large for the wind to carry, and instead must be eaten by animals and then passed through their digestive system before being deposited in a new location.
All in all, ash and rowan trees have some distinct differences when it comes to their seeds and the way that they propagate.
By understanding these differences, you can better identify these two tree species and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the differences between Ash and Rowan trees, you can make sure you’re planting the right species for your needs! Ash trees are great for larger spaces, while rowan trees are better for smaller spaces due to their size.
Ash trees produce clusters of seeds, while rowan trees produce single seeds – so take this into consideration if youre planning to grow a particular species.
With this knowledge, you have the ultimate guide to planting the right trees for your space!