Source: Wikimedia Commons
Japanese rowan
IntermediateSorbus commixta
A deciduous rose-family tree whose pinnate leaves turn scarlet in autumn, with clusters of red berries that stay on after leaf fall. Flat heads of small white flowers appear in early summer. It prefers cool climates and is hard to keep long in warm lowlands.
About
Nanakamado (Sorbus commixta) is a deciduous rose-family tree of mountains from Hokkaido to Kyushu. It offers interest in every season—spring budbreak, fresh green, autumn colour and red berries lingering in snow—and is widely planted as a street tree in the north; several Hokkaido municipalities have adopted it as their tree. The name ('seven stoves') is said to refer to wood so hard it survives seven firings in a stove, among other theories. Leaves are pinnate, with four to eight pairs of leaflets 3–7 cm long, and colour beautifully in autumn. From May to July white flowers 6–8 mm across gather in flat heads 10–20 cm wide, and in September–November round berries 5–6 mm across ripen red, colouring while the leaves are still green and staying after leaf fall. It prefers cool climates: in Hokkaido it thrives even in the lowlands, but in warm urban areas it is hard to keep long, colours and fruits poorly, and suffers from longhorn beetle borers. It dislikes drought and likes fertile soil. The alpine relative takane-nanakamado stays small and is popular for bonsai. Nanakamado itself is sold as bonsai material by wildflower and bonsai nurseries.
Size of the Japanese rowan
The Japanese rowan grows to 5–10 m tall.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (Hokkaido to Kyushu)
Lifespan
Slow-growing; little data on lifespan
Size
5–10 m tall
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (organic solid feed in Jan–Feb; do not overfeed)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Sunny, airy position—too little light means no flowers and weaker resistance. Prefers cool conditions
Watering
Dislikes drought: once daily in spring/autumn, twice in midsummer, every 3 days in winter, soaking when the surface dries. Avoid summer drought
Temperature & overwintering
Very cold-hardy, thriving even in Hokkaido lowlands; in warm regions summer heat weakens it and long-term growing is difficult
Fertilizer
Organic solid fertilizer in January–February. Overfeeding weakens the tree
Pruning & styling
Prune after leaf fall, November–March, to open it up. It dislikes pruning, and hard cuts spoil the shape
Pests & cautions
Watch for powdery mildew, aphids and, in warm areas, longhorn beetle borers. It is native—buy nursery-grown plants, not wild-dug ones
Japanese rowan FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Japanese rowan?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow large does Japanese rowan get?
The mature size of Japanese rowan is 5–10 m tall. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Japanese rowan?
Japanese rowan: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (organic solid feed in Jan–Feb; do not overfeed). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Japanese rowan?
The price of Japanese rowan varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. It is native to Japan—choose nursery-grown plants rather than wild-collected ones.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Related Articles
Bonsai Aged Wood Techniques | Creating Branch Aging Expression and Tree Age Aesthetics
Explains techniques for creating bonsai that appear aged from young stock. Introduces practical methods for expressing tree age aesthetics, from bark texture and branch structure to root development expression and changes over time.
How to Prevent Fertilizer Burn in Bonsai | Determining the Right Fertilizer Amount and Concentration
Why does fertilizer burn occur in bonsai? This explains the mechanism of osmotic pressure, how to identify early symptoms such as browning of leaf tips, why it occurs easily in midsummer and right after repotting, and emergency measures and preventive strategies.
A Guide to Giving Bonsai as Gifts | Appropriate Species and Etiquette for Longevity Celebrations and Business Opening Celebrations
This guide explains how to choose bonsai species and proper etiquette when giving bonsai as gifts for celebrations. It introduces recommended species for different occasions such as longevity celebrations and business opening celebrations, as well as how to choose species while considering management requirements.
Bringing Out the Artistry of Bonsai: Fundamental Techniques in Pruning and Shaping Trees
Master the fundamentals of pruning and shape forming to unveil bonsai artistry. Learn the principles of heavy and light pruning, wiring techniques, how to select bonsai styles and determine the front view, seasonal care schedules, and solutions to common mistakes—all explained step by step.
🩺 Common diseases
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.