American Mountain Ash Sorbus americana
ABOUT
The most common name for Sorbus americana is the American Mountain-ash. This plant typically boasts a round, spreading crown with plenty of foliage. It usually has a tidy and attractive appearance, even in the wild. The leaves of American Mountain-ash are compound with numerous leaflets, which can make them easily recognizable. These leaflets are elongated and have a somewhat oval shape, with finely serrated edges, and they are arranged opposite each other along the central leaf stem, giving the leaf a feather-like appearance. In spring and early summer, the American Mountain-ash shows off clusters of small white flowers. These flowers are quite fragrant and typically blossom into dense, flat-topped clusters that can cover the canopy, offering a showy display. Following the blooming period, the plant produces bright red-orange berries, which persist into the winter and provide visual interest even in the coldest months. These berries are small and round, arranged in hefty clusters that are often a source of food for local wildlife, particularly birds. The bark of the American Mountain-ash is another distinctive feature, typically a smooth, grayish-brown that may become slightly furrowed with age. When the plant is young, the bark is often smoother and has a more uniform gray appearance. American Mountain-ash is appreciated for its four-season interest, from the fresh green of its leaves in spring, to the flowers and bright berries that follow, and even to the leaf color in autumn, which can range from yellow to reddish-purple, adding to the plant's ornamental value.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
American Mountain-ash, American Mountain Ash, American Rowan
Common names
Pyrus americana (Marshall) Du Roi, Sorbus americana var. americana, Sorbus americana var. intermedius (Ashe) Farw.
ToxicityTo humans
American mountain-ash is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, the seeds contain a compound called cyanogenic glycoside, which can release cyanide into the body when ingested. Eating large quantities of the seeds could potentially lead to symptoms of cyanide poisoning, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, weakness, and confusion. In extreme cases, seizures, respiratory failure, and even death can occur. It is generally recommended to avoid consuming large amounts of the seeds, especially in an unprocessed form.
To pets
American mountain-ash can also be toxic to pets due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in the seeds. If pets consume a significant amount of the seeds, they could experience symptoms of cyanide poisoning, similar to those in humans—vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, lethargy, convulsions, and potentially coma or death. While the fruit’s flesh is not considered highly toxic, it is advisable to prevent pets from eating this plant, particularly the seeds, to avoid any risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Wildlife Habitat: Sorbus americana, commonly known as American mountain ash, provides food and shelter for various bird species, including robins and grosbeaks.
- Ornamental Value: With its showy clusters of white flowers in the spring and bright red-orange berries in the fall, it is popular in landscape design for its decorative appeal.
- Soil Stabilization: The root system of the American mountain ash can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and in areas susceptible to degradation.
- Shade Provider: As a medium-sized tree, it provides moderate shade, making it suitable for residential yards and parks.
- Ecosystem Support: The flowers of American mountain ash are a source of nectar for bees and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Fall Foliage: The tree is known for its vivid fall leaf color, adding to the seasonal aesthetic of natural areas and gardens.
- Cultural Significance: In some cultures, the American mountain ash has symbolic meanings and is planted for spiritual or ceremonial purposes.
- Habitat Diversity: By planting Sorbus americana, gardeners can contribute to the diversity of plant species in an area, which in turn supports a greater variety of wildlife.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant properties: Sorbus americana, also known as American Mountain-ash, may contain antioxidant compounds that help to neutralize free radicals in the body.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: The plant has been traditionally used for its potential to reduce inflammation, although scientific evidence is limited.
- Vitamin C content: American Mountain-ash berries are known to have a high vitamin C content, which is important for immune system function and skin health.
- Astringent properties: The astringent quality of the bark has been utilized in folk medicine, potentially aiding in the treatment of mild diarrhea or as a mouthwash for throat infections.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The wood of Sorbus americana, known as American Mountain Ash, is sometimes used in fine woodworking for small projects due to its nice grain and workability.
- The berries of American Mountain Ash can be used to make a natural dye, which can result in colors ranging from purple to pink, depending on the mordant used.
- Native American tribes traditionally used the tree's inner bark and roots to make a mild tea, which was used for social and ceremonial purposes.
- The leaves of American Mountain Ash can be soaked in water to produce a natural insect repellent, which is less harsh than commercial products.
- In some cultures, the American Mountain Ash is planted as a protective charm, believed to ward off evil spirits due to its bright berries and lush foliage.
- The tree's dense crown offers shelter and nest-building material for birds, making it a valuable plant for encouraging local avian populations.
- American Mountain Ash is sometimes used in ornamental landscaping for its attractive fall colors and its clustered white flowers that bloom in the spring.
- The tree's fruit can be fermented to produce a type of wine or spirits, although this is a less common tradition and it requires a talent for home brewing.
- Wood from American Mountain Ash has been used in the past to make tool handles and other small wooden items requiring a durable, yet flexible wood.
- In folklore, particularly of European cultures that recognize the tree's relatives, it is considered a tree of good fortune and is planted for luck and prosperity.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe American Mountain Ash is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe American Mountain Ash is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Sorbus americana, commonly known as the American Mountain-ash, is believed to represent protection due to its sturdy nature and the traditional use of its wood to make protective charms.
- Resilience: This plant symbolizes resilience as it can thrive in harsh mountainous environments, demonstrating the ability to withstand challenging conditions.
- Wisdom: In some cultures, the American Mountain-ash is associated with wisdom, possibly because it can live for many years and is often found in undisturbed landscapes.
- Healing: The berries of Sorbus americana have been used in traditional medicine, which leads to its symbolism as a healing agent for both physical and spiritual ailments.
- Transition: The tree is known for its bright fall colors, symbolizing transition and change, much like the transformation of seasons from summer to autumn.
WaterThe American Mountain Ash should be watered once a week, providing about 1 inch of water which equals approximately 0.623 gallons for smaller trees and increases proportionally with tree size. During drought conditions, watering frequency should be increased to twice a week. Make sure the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage deep root growth. Avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot.
LightThe American Mountain Ash thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It should be planted in a spot where it receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight each day. This tree tolerates some light shade but too much shade can lead to reduced flowering and fruiting.
TemperatureThe American Mountain Ash does well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers a temperate climate. It can survive minimum temperatures down to -30°F and it is comfortable in the maximum temperatures up to 90°F. The ideal temperatures for this tree are between 60°F and 70°F.
PruningPruning the American Mountain Ash is essential for removing dead or broken branches, shaping the tree, and encouraging healthy growth. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning should be done annually or as needed to maintain the tree's structure and appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAmerican Mountain Ash thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5; a mix of garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite would be ideal.
RepottingAmerican Mountain Ash, being a large tree, is not typically repotted; it's planted outdoors and allowed to grow without repotting.
Humidity & MistingAmerican Mountain Ash prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to various conditions and does not require specific humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow American Mountain Ash indoors with bright light, ample space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, space well, and mulch.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleSorbus americana, commonly known as American Mountain-ash, begins its life cycle from a seed, which requires stratification to break dormancy before germination can occur in the spring. Upon germination, the seedling develops into a young sapling with compound leaves and, given adequate sunlight and soil nutrients, it will gradually mature into a flowering tree. The adult American Mountain-ash produces clusters of white flowers in late spring, which are pollinated by insects, leading to the development of bright orange-red berries by autumn. These berries serve as a food source for birds and other wildlife, which, in turn, aid in seed dispersal. After several years, when the tree reaches maturity, it cycles annually through these growth stages, flowering and producing fruits. With a potential lifespan of up to 80 years, the American Mountain-ash eventually ages, where growth slows, and the tree may succumb to environmental stresses, pests, or diseases, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The American mountain ash, or Sorbus americana, is commonly propagated through seed sowing. The optimal time for sowing seeds is in the fall, immediately after the berries are ripe and seeds are harvested. However, to improve germination rates, seeds often require a period of cold stratification, which simulates natural winter conditions that some seeds need to end their dormancy. Cold stratification involves mixing the seeds with moist sand and storing them in a refrigerator at 34-40°F (1-4°C) for approximately 90-120 days before planting. After cold stratification, seeds can be sown in a well-drained nursery bed or in containers, where they should be lightly covered with soil. Germination can be slow and uneven, but patient gardeners are eventually rewarded with the growth of new American mountain ash seedlings.
