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macpat

By Macpat

Cheshire, United Kingdom Gb

Can anyone tell me what this plant is? It self seeded last year and I potted it up...is it a weed?



Self_seed_unknown Self_seed_leaf

Answers

 

It's a Sorbus seedling, probably Sorbus aucaparia (Rowan or Mountain Ash). It will have been "self-sown" by a bird about two years ago flying past.

14 Jun, 2010

 

Thanks Fractal. Should I keep it? How big and fast does it grow?

14 Jun, 2010

 

It can make a small to moderate sized tree up to 30ft (eventually) though most specimens sit between 15-20ft. It makes a nice tree for moderate gardens and is native and great for wildlife, especially many birds including Thrushes such as Song, Mistle, Blackbird, Redwing and Fieldfare.

If it's in the wrong place, move it in autumn or try Bonsai'ing it (not sure if thats the right wording!)

14 Jun, 2010

 

If you have the space for a small tree then I would recommend keeping it. It has white flowers in spring and then red berries in autumn. If you wish, you can use the berries to make rowan jelly to serve with meat dishes.

14 Jun, 2010

 

Thanks Bulbaholic...I will keep it. I could do with a small tree.

15 Jun, 2010

 

These are not really 'small' trees Macpat, so plant carefully, I get loads of these seedlings in my garden and I confess I pull them out, they come from a huge tree next door and to tell the truth one is enough !

15 Jun, 2010

 

Thanks for the advice Grandmage.........I will have to think about this one.

16 Jun, 2010

How do I say thanks?

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