One type of rowan tree, Sorbus aucuparia, is also called European mountain ash. Other Sorbus types are similarly named;
Sorbus americana is called American mountain ash,
Sorbus californica is called California mountain ash,
Sorbus decora is called northern mountain ash,
Sorbus dumosa is called Arizona mountain ash,
Sorbus groenlandica is called Greenland mountain ash,
Sorbus hybrida is called oakleaf mountain ash,
Sorbus sambucifolia is called Siberian mountain ash,
Sorbus scopulina is called Greene's mountain ash,
Sorbus scopulina var. cascadensis is called Cascade mountain ash,
Sorbus sitchensis is called western mountain ash,
and Sorbus sitchensis var. sitchensis is called Sitka mountain ash.

Rowan trees, Sorbus, are not related to "regular" ash trees, and some Sorbus are not refered to as rowan trees or mountain ash at all.

Some types of Sorbus do well in Tennessee. Sorbus aucuparia, however, usually prefers cooler climates. It would probably do fine in a cooler spot with protection from drought. If you have a location where it could get light shade to medium shade and a decent amount of moisture (maybe near a creekbank or pond), without flooded conditions, that should work well.

Does anyone know of a good on-line nursery from which I could purchase a Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan/European Mountainash)? I recently planted a small whip from the Arbor Day Foundation, but I am not sure of its survival (two mountain laurels, one common witchhazel, one red maple and one forsythia from them have yet to show any signs of life after three weeks now). I would like to find one in the four to six foot range if possible. Thanks very much in advance and apologies for resurrecting a necro-post.

Check with Cold Stream Farm ( http://www.coldstreamfarm.net/ ) or Forestfarm ( http://www.forestfarm.com/ ). Forestfarm should have some different cultivars also.