It grows up to 100 feet high, but is more often found in spreading clumps on sandy soils. It is cultivated in North America, often under the name of weeping birch. The three trees in my front yard form root sprouts that would take over the bed where they are planted if I didn't cut them back. It can reach 65 feet in height.
Birds are also responsible for dispersing the seeds.
Rowans thrive in poor soils and colonize disturbed areas. In some parts of Europe they are most common around ancient settlements, either because of their weedy nature or because they were planted. They are cultivated in North America, especially in the northeast. It grows to 130 feet in open sites, with a broad crown reminiscent of American elm trees. Ash was and still is an important timber tree, and is a traditional material for the handle of a besom.