Jesse Saylor
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
SORBUS aucuparia 'Pendula'
Plant Common Name
European Mountain Ash, Rowan
General Description
Introduced in the mid-nineteenth century, 'Pendula' is weeping form of European mountain ash, a small to medium-sized, deciduous tree native to Europe, Siberia and western Asia. Usually top-grafted on a short trunk, it has sprawling, wayward branches that form a lopsided crown. Handsome ferny compound leaves with 11 to 17 leaflets are medium green in summer and yellow, orange, or burgundy in fall. Sparse dull white flowerheads in spring give rise to red berry-like pomes in late summer and fall.
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
4 - 7
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Sunset Zone
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
10'-15' / 3.0m - 4.6m
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Width
20'-30' / 6.1m - 9.1m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring
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Native To
Europe, Russia/Siberia, Western Asia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
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
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
No
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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
