Jesse Saylor
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
SORBUS aucuparia 'Fastigiata'
Plant Common Name
European Mountain Ash, Rowan
General Description
Offering a pleasingly upright growth habit, glowing reddish fall leaf color and a wealth of edible fall fruits, this vigorous, attractive mountain ash also offers large clusters of white flowers in spring. This variety is rarely available on the American market but is a desirable form for fruit production, if you can find one.
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
20'-45' / 6.1m - 13.7m
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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
Europe, Russia/Siberia, Western Asia
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
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Red, Orange, Orange 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, Red, Burgundy
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Bark Color
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
