Olympic Flame Rowan Sorbus ulleungensis 'Olympic Flame'
ABOUT
The 'Olympic Flame' is a visually striking tree that is known for its ornamental qualities. Its leaves are a defining feature, emerging in spring as a fresh green color and gradually change through a spectacular show of colors as the seasons progress. In spring, the leaves may have an orange-red flush, while in autumn, they transition to a fiery red, living up to the "flame" in its name. The tree produces clusters of white flowers that add to its decorative appeal. These blossoms are a source of attraction for local pollinators such as bees. As the flowering season ends, the tree bears fruit that starts green and becomes red or even dark purple when ripe. These fruits are small, round and are appreciated by birds and wildlife, contributing to the ecosystem. Overall, the 'Olympic Flame' presents a changing palette of color and texture throughout the year, making it a popular choice for gardeners and landscape enthusiasts who wish to add a dramatic flair to their spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Ulleung Island Mountain Ash, Olympic Flame Rowan
Common names
Sorbus ulleungensis 'Olympic Flame'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Mountain Ash 'Olympic Flame' is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, like many plants in the Rosaceae family, the seeds may contain compounds that can convert into cyanide when ingested. Eating large quantities of the seeds could potentially lead to symptoms of cyanide poisoning, including nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, rapid breathing, and a drop in blood pressure. In severe cases, seizures, coma, and even death may occur. It's important to note that the fruit flesh is not toxic and is sometimes used in jams and jellies, but the seeds should be avoided.
To pets
The Mountain Ash 'Olympic Flame' may pose a risk to pets if ingested, specifically the seeds. Similar to its toxicity in humans, the seeds contain compounds that can release cyanide when metabolized. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. In extreme cases, ingestion can lead to seizures, coma, and could be fatal if not treated promptly. It is advisable to keep pets away from the seeds of this plant, while the rest of the plant is not typically considered highly toxic to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-20 feet (4.6-6 m)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.6-6 m)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Korea
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: The leaves of 'Olympic Flame' emerge purple, turn green in the summer, and then transform into a fiery red and orange in autumn, providing a striking display.
- Spring Blossoms: Produces clusters of white flowers in the spring, which can add beauty to any landscape.
- Wildlife Attraction: The fruit it bears attracts birds and other wildlife, offering a food source and natural appeal.
- Durability: It is quite hardy and can withstand a range of environmental conditions once established.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for those looking for an easy-to-maintain tree.
- Urban Tolerant: Capable of growing in urban conditions where other trees might struggle, including exposure to pollution.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The vibrant fall foliage of Olympic Flame can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of warm, autumnal colors.
- Wood from the Olympic Flame, though not commonly used due to the plant's ornamental nature, can be utilized in woodworking projects for its fine texture.
- Branches and twigs can be gathered to make decorative wreaths and other artistic arrangements, especially during fall when leaves are brightly colored.
- The berries can be used for ornamental purposes in jewelry making, like creating necklace pendants or beads after proper treatment and preservation.
- Dried leaves and twigs can serve as kindling in outdoor fire pits or fireplaces, being mindful to use it in a safe and controlled manner.
- Since the tree is resistant to many urban pollutants, it can be planted to create green barriers along streets for noise reduction.
- Olympic Flame can be utilized in educational settings, such as schools or botanical gardens, to teach about plant biology and seasonal changes.
- The plant's attractive form makes it suitable for photography projects and botanical illustrations, often serving as a subject for artists.
- Cut branches with berries can be added to floral arrangements in the fall, bringing a unique and natural look to the composition.
- When planted in public parks, Olympic Flame serves as an engaging natural play area for children, who can explore and learn about the local ecosystem.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mountain Ash is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mountain Ash is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Transformation: The 'Olympic Flame' displays a transformation of colors through the seasons, symbolizing change and progression in life.
- Endurance: Its adaptability to different soil conditions and climates represents resilience and the ability to withstand challenges.
- Protection: Traditionally, rowans are considered protective trees, thought to ward off evil spirits and bad luck.
- Wisdom: With its association to ancient lore and mythology, the 'Olympic Flame' can symbolize knowledge and wisdom.
- Beauty: The vivid autumn foliage and spring flowers showcase natural beauty, signifying the appreciation of life's aesthetic pleasures.
WaterThe Rowan or Mountain Ash, specifically the 'Olympic Flame' variety, should be watered deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, it's important to maintain a consistent watering schedule, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water weekly for young trees. For established trees, they may require less frequent watering, depending on rainfall and soil conditions. It's crucial to reduce watering in the winter when the tree is dormant, maybe to every two or three weeks, ensuring you only supply enough water to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightThe 'Olympic Flame' Rowan thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. It should be planted in a spot where it gets at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. However, it can tolerate some light shade, especially in the hotter parts of the day or in climates with very intense summer sun.
TemperatureThe 'Olympic Flame' Rowan is cold hardy and can withstand a temperature range from approximately -30 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for this tree would be between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to avoid planting in locations where temperatures frequently exceed these maximums, as extreme heat can stress the tree.
PruningPruning the 'Olympic Flame' Rowan is important to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. It's best to prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This tree seldom needs heavy pruning; simply thin out any crowded branches and trim back any overgrowth to encourage a strong, attractive form. Pruning every couple of years should be sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Korean Mountain Ash, or Olympic Flame, thrives in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. A blend of loam, sand, and a small amount of compost is ideal to ensure good drainage and nutrient content. The recommended soil pH range for optimal growth is between 5.5 to 7.5.
RepottingKorean Mountain Ash "Olympic Flame" generally does not need frequent repotting and is best done every 3-4 years. Younger trees may benefit from repotting every 2-3 years to encourage growth, and only when they have outgrown their current pots.
Humidity & MistingKorean Mountain Ash "Olympic Flame" is adaptable to a range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity. It can thrive in the natural humidity levels typically found in temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal to grow Korean Mountain Ash "Olympic Flame" indoors; use outdoor space.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade, and protect from wind.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleSorbus ulleungensis 'Olympic Flame', commonly known as Olympic Flame Mountain Ash, begins its life as a seed, which after stratification, typically requires a period of cold to break dormancy, germinates and develops into a seedling. Its growth continues into a young sapling as its root system establishes and the stem elongates, with leaves unfurling that are characteristic dark green and pinnate. During its maturation, the plant develops into a small to medium-sized deciduous tree, showcasing spectacular white flowers blooming in spring which attract pollinators. After pollination, these flowers develop into orange-red pomes that persist into winter, offering food for birds. In the fall, the foliage provides a dramatic display, turning from green to a fiery reddish-orange before the leaves are shed in preparation for winter dormancy. Throughout its life cycle, the S. ulleungensis 'Olympic Flame' experiences cycles of growth, flowering, fruiting, and dormancy, typically living for several decades if provided with suitable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating the Sorbus ulleungensis 'Olympic Flame', commonly known as Korean Mountain Ash, is through seed. The best time to collect seeds is in late autumn after the fruit has ripened. Seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy, which can be achieved by mixing the seeds with moist sand and refrigerating them at about 34-40 degrees Fahrenheit (1-4 degrees Celsius) for approximately 90-120 days. After stratification, seeds can be sown in a well-draining seed starting mix, lightly covered with soil, and kept at a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) until germination, which typically occurs in the spring. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout the germination period. Seedlings can then be grown on in pots before being planted out in their final position once they have reached a suitable size and the risk of frost has passed.
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