Korean Mountain Ash Sorbus commixta 'Embley'
ABOUT
Sorbus commixta 'Embley', commonly known as the 'Embley' rowan or mountain ash, is a visually striking plant. It is renowned for its vibrant foliage and seasonal interest. During the spring, it unfurls pinnate leaves that are a fresh green color, providing a dense and leafy appearance. As the season progresses into autumn, the leaves undergo a remarkable transformation, showcasing a fiery palette of colors including bright reds and oranges, often considered one of its most distinctive and admired features. In addition to the colorful foliage, the 'Embley' rowan is adorned with clusters of small, creamy-white flowers. These blossoms typically emerge in the late spring to early summer, contributing a soft contrast to the green leaves and attracting a variety of pollinators with their light fragrance. Following the flowering period, the plant produces bunches of small, round fruits. These are typically bright red or orange and they persist into winter, adding visual interest during the colder months and providing a food source for birds. The overall appearance of the 'Embley' rowan is one of ornamental beauty, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add color and texture to their landscapes. The plant exhibits an elegant branching structure, which becomes more pronounced and picturesque as the plant matures. The bark is smooth and adds further interest, particularly during the winter months when the leaves have fallen and the structure of the plant is more visible.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Korean Mountain Ash, Japanese Rowan.
Common names
Sorbus commixta 'Embley'.
ToxicityTo humans
Sorbus commixta 'Embley', commonly known as the Korean mountain ash, is not typically known to be toxic to humans. There is no well-documented evidence of toxicity or poisoning from consuming parts of this plant. However, it's generally advisable to avoid eating plants or plant parts unless they are known to be edible, as they could cause stomach upset or allergic reactions in some individuals.
To pets
Korean mountain ash is not commonly listed as toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. While the ingestion of large amounts of plant material may lead to gastrointestinal upset due to the non-digestible fibers, it is not known to cause severe toxicity or life-threatening symptoms in pets. Still, it is recommended to prevent pets from consuming non-food plants as a precautionary measure.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Fall Foliage - The Korean Mountain Ash provides a striking display of red and orange leaves in the autumn.
- Ornamental Berries - It produces clusters of vibrant red berries that can add visual interest to the landscape and attract wildlife.
- Shade Provider - As a medium-sized tree, it can offer a pleasant shade during sunny days.
- Wildlife Habitat - The tree's berries serve as food for birds and other wildlife, promoting biodiversity.
- Easy Maintenance - Known for its hardiness, it requires minimal maintenance once established.
- Improved Aesthetics - Its ornamental qualities can enhance the beauty and value of a property or garden.
- Seasonal Interest - With flowers in spring, lush foliage in summer, and colorful leaves and berries in fall, it offers year-round interest.
- Urban Tolerant - It can adapt to urban environments and is resistant to pollution, making it suitable for city landscapes.
- Soil Adaptability - It is capable of growing in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained conditions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sorbus commixta 'Embley', commonly known as the Japanese rowan, can be used in bonsai due to its attractive foliage and bark texture, providing an artistic miniature representation of a full-sized tree.
- The wood of Japanese rowan is sometimes used in fine woodworking for decorative items like inlays or small boxes, given its interesting grain patterns.
- The brightly colored autumn leaves can be collected and pressed for use in craft projects, like handmade greeting cards or botanical prints.
- Bird enthusiasts often plant Japanese rowan in their gardens to attract a variety of bird species, as its berries serve as a food source.
- The tree's structural form and striking fall color make it a popular choice for photography subjects, particularly in autumn-themed landscapes.
- The berries can be fermented to produce rowan berry wine, a traditional beverage in some cultures, though it should be noted that the berries require correct preparation to remove toxicity.
- In certain cultures, the branches and berries are used as symbols in festive decorations, such as during winter holidays.
- Dried branches of Japanese rowan are sometimes utilized in floral arrangements, adding an unusual and striking element with their persistent fruits and textured bark.
- The tree can be cultivated as part of urban forestry programs to enhance city biodiversity and provide habitat corridors for urban wildlife.
- Japanese rowan is occasionally used in educational settings, like schools or botanical gardens, to demonstrate the lifecycle of trees and the ecosystem they support.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mountain Ash (Sorbus commixta 'Embley') is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mountain Ash is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Sorbus commixta 'Embley', also known as the Korean Mountain Ash, often symbolizes endurance due to its ability to thrive in harsh conditions and withstand cold climates.
- Protection: The tree's sturdy nature and the rowan family's folklore associations with warding off evil spirits connote a sense of protection.
- Wisdom: In some cultures, rowan trees, including the Korean Mountain Ash, are seen as symbols of wisdom, possibly due to their long lifespan and stately presence.
- Healing: The berries of some Sorbus species were traditionally used for medicinal purposes, which could extend a symbolic meaning of healing to this plant.
WaterThe Japanese Rowan or Sorbus commixta 'Embley' should be watered deeply whenever the top 2 inches of the soil feel dry to the touch. Generally, this equates to approximately once a week, although this will vary depending on climate conditions and soil drainage. In the growing season, from spring to fall, water the tree with about 1.5-2 gallons each time to ensure moisture reaches the root zone. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency as the tree requires less moisture while dormant. Always avoid waterlogging the soil as it can lead to root rot.
LightThe Japanese Rowan thrives best in full sun to partial shade. A spot where the tree can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal. However, it can tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates. When planting, choose a location that is sheltered from strong winds but still receives ample sunlight.
TemperatureFor the Japanese Rowan, the ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 60°F and 70°F. However, it can tolerate a wider range, with a minimum winter cold tolerance of about -20°F to -30°F and a maximum heat tolerance up to about 85°F. It's a hardy tree that adapts well to various climates but performs best in moderate conditions.
PruningPrune the Japanese Rowan primarily to remove dead, damaged, or diseased limbs, enhancing its appearance and preventing the spread of decay. The best time for pruning is the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning is typically required once a year or less frequently, depending on the tree's growth and shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Japanese Rowan 'Embley' prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A mixture rich in organic matter, such as leaf mold or compost, will provide the necessary nutrients. To create an ideal soil mix, combine garden loam, peat, and sharp sand to ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingThe Japanese Rowan 'Embley' being a tree, typically does not need regular repotting once planted in the landscape. However, if grown in a container, repotting may be necessary every 2-3 years or when the tree becomes pot-bound.
Humidity & MistingThe Japanese Rowan 'Embley' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does well in the natural outdoor humidity. It does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal to grow 'Embley' indoors; requires outdoor conditions.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Sorbus commixta 'Embley', commonly known as the Korean mountain ash 'Embley', begins with seed germination, which requires stratification to break dormancy. Following germination, the seedling grows, developing a root system and foliage, during which it requires adequate light, moisture, and soil nutrients. As a juvenile, the Korean mountain ash 'Embley' steadily increases in height and girth, eventually reaching maturity after several years, and begins to produce clusters of white flowers in spring. After pollination, which is often aided by insects, the flowers develop into bright red-orange pomes (fruit) by autumn, which are both an ornamental feature and a food source for wildlife. As a mature tree, it undergoes annual cycles of growth, flowering, and fruiting, while maintaining its health through the shedding of older leaves and branches. The Korean mountain ash 'Embley' can live for several decades, after which it will eventually senesce and die, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Sorbus commixta 'Embley', commonly known as the Japanese Rowan or the Mountain Ash, is through seed sowing. Seeds need to be cold-stratified, which means they require a period of cold treatment to break dormancy. This can be accomplished by mixing the seeds with slightly moist sand and storing them in a refrigerator at a temperature of 33-41°F (0.5-5°C) for approximately 90-120 days. Once stratified, the seeds can be sown in containers with well-draining potting mix in the spring. They should be lightly covered with soil and kept consistently moist until germination, which may take several weeks to a few months. As the seedlings grow and become strong enough, they can then be transplanted to their permanent outdoor location ensuring they have enough space to grow into their full size.
