European Mountain Ash Sorbus aucuparia 'Aspleniifolia'
ABOUT
Commonly known as the European mountain ash or rowan, the 'Aspleniifolia' variety is a distinctive plant characterized by its elegant, deeply divided leaves which resemble those of a fern. The foliage tends to be a lush green, turning to vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow before falling as the cooler days of autumn approach. This variety is known for its striking appearance, with leaves that are more delicate and finely cut than the common mountain ash. The plant produces clusters of white flowers in the spring that are attractive to many pollinators. These blossoms later give way to bright red-orange berries that hang in dense clusters, providing a food source for birds and creating a stunning visual contrast against the foliage. The bark of this plant is smooth and gray, providing a subtle backdrop that emphasizes the foliage and fruit. The delicate appearance of its leaves and the vibrant colors of its fruit make the 'Aspleniifolia' variety a popular choice for adding ornamental appeal to gardens and landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Cut-leaved Mountain Ash, Cut-leaved Rowan, Fern-leaved Rowan, Fernleaf Mountain Ash
Common names
Sorbus aucuparia 'Aspleniifolia'.
ToxicityTo humans
The European Mountain Ash, or Rowan Berry, can be toxic if consumed in large quantities or if unripe. The fruit contains a substance called parasorbic acid, which, in its raw form, can cause indigestion or stomach upset. It can also lead to more severe symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea if ingested in significant amounts. Cooking the berries can convert this acid into the non-toxic sorbic acid, which is safer for consumption.
To pets
Similar to the effects on humans, the European Mountain Ash can be toxic to pets if consumed, particularly if the berries are unripe or eaten in large amounts. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and signs of distress. It is advised to prevent pets from ingesting parts of this plant to avoid these adverse effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Spread
13-15 feet (4-4.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
3-6
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Sorbus aucuparia 'Aspleniifolia', commonly known as the European Mountain Ash, has delicate fern-like foliage that adds fine textural contrast to the landscape.
- Seasonal Interest: It features showy white flowers in spring, vibrant red berries in late summer and autumn, and bright autumn foliage, providing visual interest throughout multiple seasons.
- Wildlife Attraction: The berries are a valuable food source for many bird species, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens.
- Shade Provision: This tree provides moderate shade, making it suitable for planting in areas where light shading is desired without heavily blocking sunlight.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively tolerant of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering after its initial establishment period.
- Cold Hardy: European Mountain Ash is hardy in cooler climates, capable of withstanding harsh winter conditions, making it suitable for northern landscapes.
- Compact Size: Compared to other trees, it has a relatively compact growth habit, which is ideal for small gardens or spaces where a full-sized tree would be too large.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The European Rowan's wood is quite dense and can be used to make tool handles, especially for implements that require a sturdy grip such as hammers and axes.
- The tree's berries, when overripe, can be used as a natural bait for birds, making it helpful for bird-catching activities in the past.
- Fermented rowanberries are used in some cultures to create a flavorful liqueur that has a unique, sharp taste.
- The bark of the European Rowan can be utilized as a natural dye, providing a range of colors from green to brown depending on the mordant used.
- Its blossoms are attractive to bees, thus supporting local pollination and benefiting the ecosystem's biodiversity.
- People have used the strong, elastic branches of the European Rowan for crafting traditional walking sticks.
- The dense, fine-grained wood can also be used in turning projects to create small, intricately shaped objects like knobs or finials.
- The berries, with their high pectin content, can be combined with other fruits low in pectin to make jams and jellies with better consistency.
- With its attractive feathered leaves and form, the 'Aspleniifolia' variety is often planted as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens.
- The European Rowan has been used in landscape design to develop wildlife-friendly urban environments that provide food and shelter for birds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rowan tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rowan is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: The common name for Sorbus aucuparia 'Aspleniifolia' is European Rowan, and in folklore, rowan trees are believed to ward off evil and provide protection. This belief likely stems from the tree's red berries, which were associated with the blood of Christ in Christian symbolism.
- Wisdom: Rowan is also connected to wisdom and knowledge. Druids regarded it as a tree of insight and higher learning, often used in rituals to enhance understanding.
- Life and Vitality: With its robust growth and vibrant berries, the Rowan symbolizes life and the energy that sustains it, reflective of its ability to thrive in challenging environments.
- Healing: Traditional medicine utilized parts of the Rowan tree, and as such, it has come to represent healing and the power of nature in overcoming ailments.
- Magic: Due to its place in various myths and its association with Druids, the Rowan tree is often considered to have magical properties, encompassing a link to the mystical realm.
WaterThe European Mountain Ash, or Sorbus aucuparia 'Aspleniifolia', prefers evenly moist soil and should be watered deeply once a week providing about 1.5 gallons of water each time during its growing season. In the hot summer months, the watering frequency may need to be increased to twice a week, especially if the weather is particularly dry. During the dormant season, in late fall and winter, reduce watering to every other week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot.
LightThe European Mountain Ash thrives best in full sun to partial shade. An ideal spot for this tree is one where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, it tolerates light shade, particularly in the hotter part of the day to protect it from intense afternoon sun.
TemperatureThe European Mountain Ash can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and is quite cold-hardy, surviving well in temperatures as low as -20°F and thriving in temperatures up to 85°F. The ideal temperature range for this tree is between 35°F and 70°F. It can withstand occasional temperature extremes outside of this range but performs best within these limits.
PruningPrune the European Mountain Ash to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Pruning is best done in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This timing allows for easier visibility of the tree's structure and reduces the chance of spreading diseases. Light pruning can be done annually, while more extensive shaping should be done every few years.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe European Mountain Ash or "Cut-leaved Mountain Ash" prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. The ideal soil mix could be a blend of loam, peat, and sand in equal parts to ensure good fertility and drainage.
RepottingThe Cut-leaved Mountain Ash, being typically tree-sized, does not require frequent repotting. Young trees may be replanted every few years as they grow, but mature trees should be left undisturbed unless necessary.
Humidity & MistingThe Cut-leaved Mountain Ash tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but does best when the air is not too dry. Average outdoor humidity is usually adequate for this tree.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoors; requires outdoor conditions.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleSorbus aucuparia 'Aspleniifolia', commonly known as the Cut-leaved Mountain Ash, begins its life as a seed, usually requiring stratification to break dormancy and germinate. Seedlings emerge in spring, establishing a root system and producing a rosette of pinnately-compound leaves characteristic of the 'Aspleniifolia' cultivar. As the seedling grows, it develops a woody stem and becomes a sapling, which can take several years to mature into a full-sized tree. The tree reaches reproductive maturity within a few years, producing clusters of white flowers by late spring, which are pollinated by insects. By late summer, these flowers develop into bright orange-red berries (pomes) that are attractive to birds, aiding in seed dispersal. The tree continues this annual reproductive cycle while it matures and ages, with individual trees living for several decades before eventually succumbing to environmental stresses or senescence.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The European mountain ash, also known as Sorbus aucuparia 'Aspleniifolia', can be propagated most effectively through seed sowing in the fall. Fresh seeds collected from ripe berries are sown immediately into a cold frame or outdoor seedbed. They undergo a natural stratification process over the winter, which breaks their dormancy and stimulates germination in the spring. In some cases, artificial stratification may be employed by mixing the seeds with slightly moist sand and storing them in a refrigerator at 33-40°F (0.6-4.4°C) for approximately 18 weeks before sowing. However, this method is more common in a controlled nursery environment, rather than casual gardening practices.
