Sorbus aucuparia as "Thor's protection". In English folklore, twigs of "S. aucuparia" were believed to ward off evil spirits and witches. The plant was called "the witch" in England and dowsing rods to find ores were made out of its wood. Twigs of "S. aucuparia" were used to drive cattle to the pasture for the first time in spring to ensure their health and fertility. The wooden shafts of forks and other farm implements were constructed from "S. aucuparia", to protect farm animals and production from witches' spells. In weather lore, a year with plentiful rowan fruit would have a good grain
× Sorbaronia mitschurinii × Sorbaronia mitschurinii × "Sorbaronia mitschurinii, also known as Sorbaronia mitschurinii", is a domesticated species that was known until recently under the name "Aronia mitschurinii". It has been considered to be a group of cultivars of "Aronia melanocarpa", common ones including 'Viking' and 'Nero'. Genetic testing indicates it is likely a hybrid between "A. melanocarpa" and "Sorbus aucuparia" (mountain ash) that apparently originated in cultivation. It has been suggested that "Sorbaronia mitschurinii" is the product of Russian pomologist Ivan Vladimirovich Michurin's early 20th century experiments in wide hybridizations. This species is more robust than wild populations of "Aronia melanocarpa"; the