Jesse Saylor
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
SORBUS aucuparia 'Carpet of Gold'
Plant Common Name
European Mountain Ash, Rowan
General Description
Offering a narrow fastigiate habit and bright fall fruit, 'Carpet of Gold' has thick dark pinnate leaves with 11 to 17 leaflets that turn orange tones in fall. Musky-scented dull white flowers in late spring, clusters of vibrant orange-yellow berry-like pomes in late summer and fall, and cherry-like gray-brown bark with conspicuous horizontal pores give it further multi-seasonal interest.
European mountain ash is a small to medium-sized, rounded, deciduous tree native to Europe, Siberia and western Asia. It has also become naturalized in northern regions of North America--from Newfoundland to Alaska. Many features make it a showy landscape tree all season long, including its feathery, pinnately compound leaves, flat heads of musky-scented white spring flowers, fall clusters of vibrant red-orange berry-like pomes and vibrant fall leaf color that ranges from yellow to red or burgundy. The edible pomes are favored by birds, but may also be processed into a tasty, tart jelly that is eaten with poultry or game.
Plant the European mountain ash in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It grows best in slightly acid soils but will tolerate more alkaline soils. It also withstands strong winds, harsh winter cold and some summer heat. For best fall foliage color, water trees during substantial periods of summer drought. Plant in the landscape as a small shade tree or lawn specimen.
Be aware that several diseases and pests can be problematic, including scab, fireblight, various cankers and sawfly larvae. This tree is considered invasive in the Northwest United States and other areas.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 7
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Sunset Zone
A1, A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
30'-50' / 9.1m - 15.2m
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Width
10'-20' / 3.0m - 6.1m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Pollution
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Narrow Upright/Fastigiate
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Yellow, Orange, Gold
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Red, Burgundy
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Bark Color
Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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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
