THE EUROPEAN MOUNTAIN ASH 



VERY few trees have been so widely and extensively planted for ornamental purposes 

 in America as the European Mountain Ash. It has many advantages for this 

 purpose, being easily obtained from all nurserymen and bearing beautiful flowers 

 in spring, decorative foliage in summer, and brilliantly colored, attractive fruit in autumn 

 and winter. It grows fairly rapidly, and is hardy throughout the Northern States. The 

 general character of the leaves, stems and fruit, as well as the habit of growth of a large 

 tree, are shown on the plate. 



Like so many trees that have long been planted about the abodes of man in Europe, 

 this Mountain Ash has many traditions associated with it. In parts of Scotland it is called 

 the "Witchin tree," it having long been supposed that the branches of this tree were 

 potent against the spells of witches. It is also very generally known as the Rowan tree, 

 which is sometimes contracted to the Roan tree, and under this name it was credited with 

 similar potency. An old English verse runs: 



" The spells were vain and the boys returned 



To the queen in sorrowful mood, 

 Crying that witches have no power 



Where there is roan tree wood." 



In some districts in Scotland it is said to have been formerly the custom to have 

 sheep and lambs on May day jump through a hoop made of the branches of the Rowan 

 tree in order that the flock might prosper through the summer. Mrs. Dyson writes: " It 

 is the Rowan or Roan tree that is, the Whispering tree ; the tree that knows the secret 

 spells and charms; the tree of the witches or, as it is sometimes called, the Witchin or 

 Wiggin tree." These names seem not at all to have been used in America in connection 

 with this or our native species of Mountain Ash. Still another name of this tree in England 

 was the Service tree, due to the fact that the fruit was used in making a kind of beer called 

 by the Latin term Cerevisia, which was contracted into the English word Service. 



There are several distinct varieties of the European Mountain Ash. One of these 

 called dulcis is very hardy and bears fruit which is said to be desirable for preserves; 

 another called fastigiata sends its branches up in a pyramidal form ; another called pendula 

 is given a weeping effect by its drooping twigs; other varieties have yellow fruits and 

 still others have variegated foliage. 



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