Rowan vs. Rowen — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 9, 2024
Rowan refers to a type of tree with bright red berries, often linked to folklore, while rowen signifies a second crop of hay grown after the first cutting. Rowan is botanical, while rowen is agricultural.
Difference Between Rowan and Rowen
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Key Differences
Rowan, also known as mountain ash, is a tree found in cooler climates, characterized by its small, red-orange berries. Rowen, on the other hand, is a second growth of hay or pasture that occurs after the initial mowing in late summer or early autumn.
Rowan trees are celebrated in folklore for their supposed protective qualities and are often associated with preventing witchcraft. Meanwhile, rowen is purely agricultural, valued for its nutrient-rich hay that can be fed to livestock.
Rowan berries are sometimes used to make jams, jellies, or alcoholic beverages due to their tart flavor, while rowen hay is primarily used for animal feed, offering livestock high-quality forage.
Rowan's scientific classification is Sorbus aucuparia, known for its compound leaves and clusters of bright berries. Rowen lacks a scientific name since it is simply a farming term referring to the growth pattern of grass or clover.
Rowan trees can also be planted ornamentally for their aesthetic appeal. Rowen, however, is only practical in agricultural settings and is vital for farmers aiming to increase forage yield.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A tree with clusters of red berries
Second hay crop or pasture growth
Usage
Ornamental, culinary, and cultural
Agricultural, used as livestock feed
Origin
Found in temperate regions
Result of seasonal grass growth
Folklore
Linked to magical protection
No direct folklore association
Seasonality
Berries ripen in autumn
Harvested after first mowing
Compare with Definitions
Rowan
Known as mountain ash due to its leaf resemblance.
In the forest, rowan trees stood out because of their compound leaves.
Rowen
Can include various forage plants, like clover and ryegrass.
The rowen was rich with clover, providing excellent grazing.
Rowan
A tree with clusters of red-orange berries.
The rowan tree outside her window was laden with bright berries.
Rowen
Grows after the initial hay cutting in late summer or autumn.
She grazed her sheep on the rowen for an extra feeding opportunity.
Rowan
Popular in British and Celtic folklore.
It was believed that planting a rowan near the house would ward off evil.
Rowen
A second crop of hay or pasture after the first mowing.
The farmer harvested the rowen to feed his cattle through the winter.
Rowan
Characterized by its ornamental appearance.
The rowan tree provided a colorful touch to the garden.
Rowen
Generally of high quality and nutritional value.
Rowen often has more nutrients than the first hay crop.
Rowan
Berries are used to make jellies and spirits.
They collected rowan berries to make a tart jelly.
Rowen
Useful for increasing the annual forage yield.
With good management, rowen can double the yearly hay output.
Rowan
The rowans ( ROW-ənz or ROH-ənz) or mountain-ashes are shrubs or trees in the genus Sorbus of the rose family, Rosaceae. They are native throughout the cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with the highest species diversity in the Himalaya, southern Tibet and parts of western China, where numerous apomictic microspecies occur.
Rowen
A second crop, as of hay, in a season.
Rowan
A small deciduous European tree (Sorbus aucuparia) in the rose family, having pinnately compound leaves, corymbs of white flowers, and orange-red berries.
Rowen
A second crop of hay; aftermath.
Rowan
Sorbus aucuparia, the European rowan.
Rowen
A stubble field left unploughed until late in the autumn, so that it can be cropped by cattle.
Rowan
Any of various small deciduous trees or shrubs of genus Sorbus, belonging to the rose family, with pinnate leaves, corymbs of white flowers, and usually with orange-red berries.
Rowen
A stubble field left unplowed till late in the autumn, that it may be cropped by cattle.
Turn your cows, that give milk, into your rowens till snow comes.
Rowan
Rowan tree.
Rowen
The second growth of grass in a season; aftermath.
Rowan
Eurasian tree with orange-red berrylike fruits
Common Curiosities
Do all rowan trees produce berries?
No, only female rowan trees produce berries as part of their reproductive cycle.
Is rowan a type of ash tree?
No, although called mountain ash, rowan is part of the Sorbus genus, separate from true ash trees.
Can rowan berries be eaten raw?
They can be eaten, but their bitterness makes them better suited for cooking or preserving.
How long after the first mowing can rowen be harvested?
Rowen is usually harvested six to eight weeks after the first hay cutting.
Is rowen suitable for all livestock?
Yes, rowen is generally suitable for all livestock, providing valuable nutrition.
What makes rowen hay special?
Rowen hay is often higher in nutrients because it grows later in the season and is typically a second crop.
Does rowan have any medicinal properties?
Traditionally, rowan berries were used in herbal remedies for digestion.
Does rowen grow in all climates?
Rowen typically grows best in temperate climates where two hay crops can be managed in one season.
Are there different species of rowan?
Yes, there are several species within the Sorbus genus.
Can rowen be grown intentionally?
Yes, rowen is often managed carefully to maximize late-season forage production.
Is rowen easy to grow for small-scale farmers?
Yes, small-scale farmers can benefit from rowen as it increases their overall forage yield.
Is rowan considered an ornamental tree?
Yes, rowan is often grown for its decorative appeal and colorful berries.
What role does rowan play in folklore?
Rowan is said to offer protection against evil spirits and was traditionally planted near homes.
Can rowen affect soil quality negatively?
No, properly managed rowen can maintain soil health due to its rotational growth.
How tall do rowan trees grow?
Rowan trees can grow up to 40 feet tall, depending on the variety.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
