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Rowan (Sorbus spp.)

Some introduced Sorbus species can establish outside gardens and spread into suitable parts of Australia. Their fruits are eaten by birds, which can carry seeds into bushland and other unmanaged areas.

Key facts

Type: Weed, tree.

Native to: Temperate regions of Europe, Asia and North Africa.

Established in: NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS.

Other names: Mountain ash, European rowan, Whitebeam, Service tree.

Best time to act: Look for flowering and fruiting plants in spring and autumn, respectively, and control seedlings when they are small.

Identification

  • Sorbus includes deciduous trees and shrubs, so appearance varies among species.
  • Rowan-type species commonly have alternate, divided leaves made up of several leaflets; some other Sorbus species have simple leaves.
  • Small pale flowers are typically borne in clusters.
  • Many species produce clusters of small, round red, orange or yellow fruits.
  • Look-alike: Rowan’s divided leaves and colourful fruit can be confused with those of other ornamental trees, including some Cotoneaster species.
  • Look-alike: Identification from flowers, fruit and leaves together is more reliable than relying on fruit colour alone.

Where it grows

In Australia, introduced Sorbus may occur in gardens and, where it becomes established, in nearby disturbed areas or suitable cool-temperate vegetation.

Why it matters

  • Established trees can compete with native plants for light, water and space.
  • Bird-dispersed seed can carry plants beyond gardens into unmanaged areas.
  • Dense growth may alter the structure of invaded vegetation.
  • The extent of impacts varies among Sorbus species and locations.

How it spreads

  • Birds eat the fruits and disperse seeds in their droppings.
  • Seeds can also be moved in discarded garden waste or with soil containing seed.
  • Planting and moving fruit-bearing plants can contribute to spread.

Control options

  • Identify the Sorbus species before undertaking control, as the genus includes several different trees and shrubs.
  • Remove small seedlings by hand, taking care to remove the roots; larger plants may require cutting or other suitable physical control.
  • For larger plants or regrowth, use only herbicides registered for the intended use, or other approved methods, and follow the product label and relevant local guidance.
  • Check treated areas for seedlings and regrowth, repeat control as needed, and contact the state or territory biosecurity agency for local advice or reporting requirements.

Hygiene and washdown

  • Avoid moving fruit, seed-bearing plant material or soil from infested areas; clean footwear, tools and machinery before leaving.
  • Dispose of removed fruit and plant material securely so seeds are not spread in garden or green waste.
  • Inspect and clean vehicles, plant and footwear before leaving an infested area, paying attention to tyres, radiators, belly plates, tracks and floor mats.
  • Wash down at a designated bay where runoff is contained and can be monitored for seedlings.
  • Record each washdown so the client has evidence of clean entry and exit.

Classification by state

  • Australia (national): No national listing. Managed under state and territory law.
  • Queensland: Not prohibited or restricted. Not listed as prohibited or restricted matter in Queensland. Everyone must also take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise its risks (the general biosecurity obligation).
  • New South Wales: Not a priority weed. Not a state or regional priority weed in NSW. The general biosecurity duty applies: anyone dealing with it must prevent, eliminate or minimise the risk it poses.
  • Victoria: Not declared. Not declared under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Other Victorian laws may still apply.
  • South Australia: Not declared. Not declared under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019. Other laws may still apply.
  • Western Australia: Not listed. Not found in the Western Australian Organism List. Check with DPIRD before moving or keeping it.
  • Tasmania: Not declared. Not a declared weed in Tasmania. Other laws may still apply.
  • Northern Territory: Check NT list. There is no NT weed profile for it. Check the NT declared weeds list for its current status.
  • Australian Capital Territory: Declared pest, prohibited. It is a declared pest throughout the ACT. Dealing with it, such as selling, moving or keeping it, is prohibited.

Legal obligations

Every state and territory places a duty on landholders and people working on land to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as the general biosecurity obligation in Queensland and the general biosecurity duty in New South Wales. Declarations and control requirements differ between states and local government areas, so check the current official list before work starts.

  • New South Wales: Biosecurity Act 2015 (NSW), administered by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
  • Australian Capital Territory: Biosecurity Act 2023 (ACT), administered by ACT Biosecurity
  • Victoria: Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (Vic), administered by Agriculture Victoria
  • Tasmania: Biosecurity Act 2019 (Tas), administered by Biosecurity Tasmania

Sources