Kashmir rowan Sorbus cashmiriana
Kashmir rowan (Sorbus cashmiriana) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Rosaceae family, native to Western Himalaya (Kashmir, Pakistan, Afghanistan). It grows 4–8 m (13–26 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 4 m (13 ft) apart.
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Kashmir rowan at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 4–8 m (13–26 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 4 m (13 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Western Himalaya (Kashmir, Pakistan, Afghanistan) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇳🇴 Norway |
Is Kashmir rowan toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: raw berries, seeds
Raw rowan berries contain parasorbic acid and can upset the stomach; birds eat them safely.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Kashmir rowan
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Questions about Kashmir rowan
- How far apart should I plant Kashmir rowan?
- About 4 m (13 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Kashmir rowan need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Kashmir rowan need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Kashmir rowan?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Kashmir rowan flower?
- From about May for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Kashmir rowan poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Raw rowan berries contain parasorbic acid and can upset the stomach; birds eat them safely.
- What grows well with Kashmir rowan?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A small rowan with pale pink spring flowers and large white berries hanging like pearls on bare branches well into winter, as birds pass white berries over for red ones. A good tree for a small garden in a cool climate.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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