Sorbus occidentalis, commonly known as Western Mountain Ash, is a deciduous tree native to the mountainous regions of Western North America, including the Sierra Nevada, the Cascades, and the Northern Rocky Mountains. It is typically found in cool, moist forests and alpine meadows, often at higher elevations. This species grows at a moderate rate to a height of 12-30 feet (3.7-9 meters) and a width of 10-20 feet (3-6 meters). Western Mountain Ash has a rounded form with compound leaves that turn yellow to red in the fall. Its white, showy flowers bloom in the spring and are followed by clusters of bright red-orange berries that persist into winter, providing food for birds and other wildlife.

The Western Mountain Ash is valued for its ornamental features, including its attractive flowers, colorful fall foliage, and persistent berries. It is used in garden landscapes for border planting, as a specimen tree, and in wildlife gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers medium draining soils such as clay, loam, or sandy types. It requires medium amounts of water and benefits from mulching to maintain soil moisture. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to fire blight and borers. Gardeners should be aware of these potential issues and monitor for signs of disease or pest infestation.CC BY-SA 4.0