Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
Sorbus decora
Plant Common Name
Northern Mountain Ash
General Description
A striking sight in late summer when its branches are laden with large dense clusters of orange fruit, this large shrub or small tree from Greenland and northeastern North America is also worth growing for its handsome ferny foliage. Divided into 11 to 17 toothed, lance-shaped leaflets, the feathery deciduous leaves are bluish green before turning rust or yellowish tones in fall. Flattish heads of fetid white flowers open in late spring, giving rise to blueberry-sized fruits which ripen to red before being consumed by birds in fall. Upright, weak-wooded, and rather open-growing, this plant often retains branches close to the ground.
Grow this cold-hardy mountain ash in moderately fertile non-alkaline soil and full sun for best form, fruiting and fall color. In the warmest parts of its hardiness range a bit of shade is recommended. Use it in a shrub border or wildlife planting or as a lawn specimen.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
6 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 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
18'-25' / 5.5m - 7.6m
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Width
12'-15' / 3.7m - 4.6m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring
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Native To
Northeastern 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
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Growth Rate
Medium
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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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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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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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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
