Wood Atlas - Xylarium
Mountain Ash
Despite its name, the mountain ash or rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia) actually has nothing to do with ashwood. It can reach an age of 80 to 120 years and heights of 50 feet on average, only occasionally up to 80 feet. The superstition that the berries are poisonous stubbornly persists. However, the berries do contain parasorbic acid, which can cause stomach problems. But this can be mitigated by boiling, the resulting sorbic acid is well tolerated and the berries are used to make jams and liqueurs. The berries are very rich in vitamins even after being cooked and are therefore very healthy. Many are familiar with sorbitol, an artificial sweetener originally obtained from the sorbose of rowan berries. The berries are also used as natural remedies, for example as a tea for stomach problems, cough, or bronchitis.
The wood is hard, dense, and elastic. It is wonderful to work with and is therefore very popular for use in carving and turning.