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Description
Sorbus Americana, also known as American mountain ash, is a deciduous tree native to North America. It belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae) and is closely related to apples and pears. The tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and has a rounded crown with a spread of 20 feet. It blooms in late spring with clusters of small white flowers, followed by bright red berries that persist well into winter. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 11-17 leaflets that turn bright yellow, orange, or red in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————|————-|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Spermatophyta || Class| Magnoliopsida || Order| Rosales|| Family| Rosaceae|| Genus| Sorbus|| Species| Sorbus Americana |
Appearance
The American mountain ash has a smooth grey bark with white lenticels. The tree produces clusters of small white flowers in late spring that are followed by bright red berries. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 11-17 leaflets that are elliptical or lanceolate in shape. They are dark green in summer and turn bright yellow, orange, or red in the fall. The tree is aesthetically pleasing and is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Care Guide
American mountain ash trees prefer moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate partial shade but grow best in full sun. Water the tree regularly, especially during periods of drought. Fertilize in the spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer. Prune the tree in late winter to remove any dead or damaged branches. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
The American mountain ash is susceptible to fire blight, a bacterial disease that causes the leaves and branches to wilt and turn black. The tree is also vulnerable to apple scab, a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves and fruit. The tree can also be attacked by aphids, spider mites, and scale insects.
Habitat
The American mountain ash is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. It prefers moist soil and can often be found growing along streams and rivers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can American mountain ash be grown in a container?
A: It is not recommended to grow American mountain ash in a container as the tree requires deep, well-drained soil to thrive.
Q: Are the berries of American mountain ash edible?
A: While the berries of American mountain ash are technically edible, they are very bitter and are not typically consumed by humans.
Q: Can American mountain ash tolerate drought?
A: The American mountain ash can tolerate some drought but prefers consistently moist soil.
Q: Does American mountain ash attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the bright red berries of the American mountain ash are a valuable food source for many species of birds.
Related Plants
– Sorbus aucuparia (European mountain ash)- Sorbus decora (showy mountain ash)- Sorbus scopulina (Cascade mountain ash)- Sorbus sitchensis (Sitka mountain ash)
References
– “Sorbus Americana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed January 20, 2022. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277200&isprofile=0&.- “Sorbus Americana.” University of Connecticut Plant Database. Accessed January 20, 2022. https://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/s/soram/soram1.html.- “Sorbus Americana.” United States Department of Agriculture. Accessed January 20, 2022. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=SOAM.
