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Description
Sorbus Discolor, also known as the American mountain ash or the showy mountain ash, is a small tree that belongs to the rose family. It is native to North America, particularly in the eastern region of the United States and Canada. The tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide, with a rounded and dense crown.One of the most distinctive features of Sorbus Discolor is its beautiful leaves. The leaves are pinnate, meaning they have a central vein with smaller leaflets on either side. They are dark green on top and paler underneath, with serrated edges. In the fall, the leaves turn to vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, making it a popular choice for landscaping.Another notable feature of Sorbus Discolor is its flowers. In the spring, the tree produces clusters of white, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. These flowers eventually give way to clusters of bright red berries that persist into the winter, providing food for birds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Sorbus |
| Species | Discolor |
Appearance
Sorbus Discolor is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Its bark is smooth and gray, becoming rougher with age. Its leaves are pinnate, with a central vein and smaller leaflets on either side. The leaves are dark green on top and paler underneath, with serrated edges. In the fall, the leaves turn to vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.In the spring, the tree produces clusters of white, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. These flowers eventually give way to clusters of bright red berries that persist into the winter, providing food for birds.
Care Guide
Sorbus Discolor is a relatively low-maintenance tree that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some guidelines for caring for this tree:Water: Water the tree regularly, especially during dry spells. Make sure the soil around the tree is moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer.Soil: Sorbus Discolor prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay.Sunlight: Sorbus Discolor prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but may not flower as well.Hardiness Zones: Sorbus Discolor is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sorbus Discolor is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fire blight, a bacterial disease that can cause wilting and dieback. To prevent fire blight, prune the tree regularly to remove infected branches and sanitize your pruning tools between cuts.
Habitat
Sorbus Discolor is native to North America, particularly in the eastern region of the United States and Canada. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and mountain slopes. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Sorbus Discolor be grown in a container?
A: While Sorbus Discolor can technically be grown in a container, it is not recommended. The tree can grow quite large and may become root-bound in a container, which can lead to poor growth and health.Q: Does Sorbus Discolor require pruning?
A: Sorbus Discolor does not require regular pruning, but you may wish to prune the tree to remove dead or diseased branches or to shape the tree.Q: Can Sorbus Discolor tolerate drought?
A: Sorbus Discolor prefers moist soil and may not tolerate prolonged periods of drought. Make sure the tree is watered regularly during dry spells.Q: Are the berries of Sorbus Discolor edible?
A: While the berries of Sorbus Discolor are technically edible, they are not typically consumed by humans due to their bitter taste.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Sorbus Discolor that you may be interested in:
- Sorbus Aucuparia
- Sorbus Caloneura
- Sorbus Cashmiriana
- Sorbus Commixta
- Sorbus Hupehensis
- Sorbus Intermedia
- Sorbus Latifolia
- Sorbus Torminalis
References
- “Sorbus Discolor.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l330>
- “Sorbus Discolor.” North Carolina State University. Accessed October 2021. <https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/sorbus-discolor/>
- “American Mountain Ash.” University of Connecticut Plant Database. Accessed October 2021. <https://hort.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=437>
