Jesse Saylor
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
Sorbus americana
Plant Common Name
American Mountain Ash, Mountain Ash
General Description
A striking sight from late summer into winter when its branches are laden with dense clusters of showy fruit, this exceptionally cold-hardy large shrub (or small tree) from eastern North America is also worth growing for its handsome ferny foliage. Divided into 11 to 19 toothed, lance-shaped leaflets, the feathery deciduous leaves are medium green before turning orange or yellow in fall. Flattish heads of dull white flowers open in late spring, giving rise to pea-sized fruits which ripen red. The fruits are a favorite of birds. Upright, weak-wooded, and rather open-crowned, this typically slow-growing plant remains low-branched if grown in ample sun.
Grow this mountain ash in moderately fertile non-alkaline soil and full sun for best form, fruiting and fall color. It requires moderate summers, and may benefit from some afternoon shade in the warmest parts of its hardiness range. Use it in a shrub border or wildlife planting or as a specimen. Like most other mountain ashes it is susceptible to fire blight and rust. The astringent fruits can be used in preserves.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
6 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
2 - 6
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
10'-30' / 3.0m - 9.1m
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Width
8'-25' / 2.4m - 7.6m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring
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Native To
Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Canada
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Orange
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
