European Mountain Ash

(Sorbus aucuparia)

European Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Sorbus aucuparia, commonly known as European Mountain Ash, is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and rocky hillsides in temperate and boreal Eurasia. It typically grows to a height of 40 feet (12 meters) and a width of 8-20 feet (2.4-6.1 meters). The tree features a slender trunk with smooth, grayish bark and a loose, roundish crown. Its compound leaves are arranged in pairs of leaflets along a central vein, ending in a single terminal leaflet, turning yellow to reddish-purple in autumn. From May to June, it produces dense corymbs of small, showy, yellowish-white flowers, followed by clusters of bright red pomes (berry-like fruits) that ripen from August to October and are favored by many bird species.

The European Mountain Ash is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its attractive foliage, spring flowers, and colorful autumn fruits. It is frost hardy and adapts to a range of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils. It is commonly used in urban plantings, as a border tree, and in wildlife gardens. The tree is also known for its ease of maintenance. Popular cultivars include ’Asplenifolia’, ’Blackhawk’, ’Fastigiata’, ’Fructu Luteo’, ’Michred’, ’Pendula’, and ’Xanthocarpa’, each offering unique characteristics such as leaf shape, fruit color, or growth habit. However, Sorbus aucuparia can be invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 20-40 feet
  • Width: 8-20 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Cream, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Forests, grasslands, and rocky hillsides in temperate and boreal Eurasia

Other Names

Common Names: Rowan , Moutain-Ash , Amur Mountain-Ash , European Mountain-Ash , Rowan Tree , Rowan-Berry , Quickbeam , Quick Beam , Almindelig Røn , Vogelbeerbaum

Scientific Names: Sorbus aucuparia , Pyrus aucuparia , Sorbus caucasigena , Pyrus aucuparia var. alpestris , Mespilus aucuparia , Pyrus altaica , Pyrus aucuparia f. fastigiata , Pyrus aucuparia subsp. aucuparia , Pyrus aucuparia var. typica , Pyrus camschatcensis

GBIF Accepted Name: Sorbus aucuparia L.