Many trees are the haunts of Faerie.  Humans foolish enough to pass by a host-tree late at night find their arms bruised or pinched by small faerie fingers.  Three Thorn trees growing closely together at an acute angle are especially potent and should be approached warily if at all.  Or on the other hand, Thorn tree branches can be hung with ribbons and even rags as propitiating gifts for the faeries.

The Elder © Brian Froud

Other trees most favoured by the faeries are the Blackthorn, Hazel, Alder, Elder and Oak.  Elementals and strange creatures haunt these trees, especially if twisted together; two Thorns and an Elder are thought to be a particularly dangerous combination.  So are Oak, Ash and Thorn.  In general, however, one should beware faerie trees for they are fiercely protected.  As with all things faerie, one must approach the benefits with caution.

The Ash © Brian Froud

The ROWAN tree is also considered effective against bad spirits: 'Rowan tree, red thraid, Put the Witches to their speed.' Rowan wood was used to make butter churns to ensure the butter was not 'overlooked' by faeries or witches.  bewitched horses can always be controlled by a Rowan whip.  The 'Flying Rowan'- that is, a tree growing with its roots not in the ground (in a creft in a rock, or in the branches of another tree) is considered the most efficacious. Among Druids, the Rowan had an important oracular use.  Fires of the wood were used to conjure up spirits who could be forced to answer questions when Rowanberries were spread on the newly flayed hides of bulls. --Excerpt from FAERIES

PIXIES GOBLINS FAERIE TREES FAERIE FLORA ARTICLE ON FAERIES