Vilmorin's Rowan Sorbus vilmorinii
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Vilmorin's rowan or Vilmorin mountain ash presents itself with a graceful appearance. It features a complex branching structure that gives it a somewhat rounded and spreading form. This plant has pinnate leaves, which means the leaves are composed of multiple leaflets arranged on either side of a common axis. These leaflets are lance-shaped with finely serrated edges, and they typically grow in a lush green color that turns into spectacular shades of red and orange as the seasons transition into autumn. The Vilmorin mountain ash is also admired for its floral display. It bears large clusters of small, white flowers that emerge in the spring. These flowers have a simple yet elegant look and attract various pollinators such as bees. Following the blooming period, the plant produces clusters of berries. These fruits start out with a red hue and gradually mature to a rich, pinkish or white color as they ripen. The clusters hang delicately from the branches, providing a striking visual interest and serving as a food source for birds and wildlife. Overall, the Vilmorin mountain ash is a charming and decorative plant, with lush foliage and showy fruits that contribute beautifully to garden landscapes or natural settings. Its seasonal changes in leaf color and the progression from flowers to berries make it a visually dynamic choice for those seeking year-round interest in their planting areas.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Vilmorin's Rowan, Vilmorin's Mountain Ash
Common names
Aria vilmorinii, Pyrus vilmorinii, Sorbus poteriifolia.
ToxicityTo humans
Vilmorin's rowan is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it is not intended for human consumption and its ingestion should be avoided. There is no well-documented evidence of toxicity in humans, and no specific symptoms of poisoning are widely recognized for this species.
To pets
Vilmorin's rowan is generally not considered toxic to pets. There is a lack of information on any specific toxicity this plant might have to common household pets, such as dogs and cats. Therefore, it is not known to cause poisoning in pets, but it is always advisable to prevent pets from ingesting plants as a precautionary measure.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The plant, commonly known as Vilmorin's rowan, is prized for its attractive features such as clusters of bright pink berries and white flowers.
- Wildlife Attraction: The berries provide a valuable food source for birds, particularly in the autumn and winter months.
- Shade Provision: It can offer dappled shade in garden landscapes, which can help in creating pleasant sitting areas and reducing local temperature.
- Seasonal Interest: With changing leaf colors throughout the seasons—flushed pink in spring, green in summer, and red or gold in autumn—Vilmorin's rowan adds seasonal dynamism to gardens.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize the soil, particularly in sloped gardens, thus preventing soil erosion.
- Adaptability: It is fairly adaptable to a range of soil types and urban pollution, making it suitable for city gardens and streetscapes.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, which can be beneficial in areas with water restrictions or low rainfall.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Vilmorin rowan fruits can be used to produce a homemade wine or liqueur; after fermentation, the fruits can impart a distinctive flavor.
- The wood of Vilmorin rowan is suitable for crafting small wooden objects such as handles, spindles, or crafting material for woodturning projects.
- The dense clusters of berries can be used as natural dyes, providing shades of pink or purple depending on the mordant used.
- Vilmorin rowan can be planted as a roadside tree for urban landscaping, providing seasonal interest with its flowers, fruits, and autumn foliage.
- The tree can be utilized in educational settings such as schools or nature centers to teach about local flora and fauna relationships.
- Due to its ornamental appeal, Vilmorin rowan branches with berries can be used in floral arrangements or as part of festive decorations.
- These trees can serve as living memorials or commemorative trees in parks and gardens, selected for their beauty and the symbolism of rowans in various cultures.
- Vilmorin rowan can be integrated into permaculture gardens as part of an ecosystem that provides both beauty and habitat for wildlife.
- The tree's tendency to attract birds can be used purposefully to create a bird-friendly garden or to aid in bird study and observation for ornithologists.
- In landscape design, Vilmorin rowan can be used to create natural privacy screens or to add vertical interest in tiered garden designs.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rowan is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rowan is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Sorbus vilmorinii, commonly known as Vilmorin's rowan or Vilmorin's mountain ash, often symbolizes endurance due to its ability to withstand tough environmental conditions.
- Protection: Similar to other rowan species, Vilmorin's rowan is thought to offer protection and ward off evil, a belief stemming from ancient folklore where rowan trees were considered magical and protective.
- Resilience: This plant is a symbol of resilience as it can thrive in poor soil conditions, reflecting an ability to prosper despite adversity.
- Balance: With its attractive features, like the pinnate leaves and colorful berries, Vilmorin's rowan is also seen as an emblem of balance in beauty and practicality, signifying balance in life.
WaterVilmorin rowan should be watered deeply and thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Depending on the weather and soil drainage, it typically requires watering once a week, especially during prolonged dry spells. In the summer months or hotter weather, increase the frequency to prevent the soil from drying out completely. It is difficult to provide an exact amount due to varying environmental conditions, but as a general rule, aim for approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per week for young trees, adjusting as needed for mature trees and environmental factors. Make sure the water penetrates the soil to the root level for proper absorption.
LightVilmorin rowan thrives in full sun to partial shade. Its ideal location would receive unfiltered sunlight for at least 6 hours a day, but it can also tolerate some light shade. This means the best spot would be an open area with direct sunlight for the majority of the day, yet it can also do well at the edge of a tree line where it would receive dappled sunlight.
TemperatureVilmorin rowan can adapt to a wide range of temperature conditions, but it grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. It is hardy and can tolerate winter cold down to -20°F and summer heat up to 85°F. The vilmorin rowan is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5 through 7, which reflect these temperature ranges.
PruningPruning vilmorin rowan is essential for removing dead or diseased branches, shaping the tree, and encouraging healthy growth. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, typically late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead wood, thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation, and shape the tree as desired. Pruning every 2 to 3 years will help maintain its size and promote a strong, attractive structure.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Vilmorin rowan prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix composed of equal parts garden soil, peat, and perlite or coarse sand is suitable for growing this tree to ensure adequate drainage and root aeration.
RepottingThe Vilmorin rowan, being a tree, does not usually require repotting as it is typically planted directly in the ground. Young trees should be planted in a permanent location where they can grow undisturbed.
Humidity & MistingThe Vilmorin rowan thrives in moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable and does not require specific humidity adjustments when grown outdoors in its natural environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and cool temperatures for indoor Vilmorin rowan.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleVilmorin's Rowan (Sorbus vilmorinii) begins its life cycle as a seed, usually dispersed by birds which have eaten the berries and excrete the seeds. These seeds undergo stratification over winter, requiring a period of cold to break dormancy. Upon germination in spring, the seedlings establish a root system and grow into saplings, characterized by a single stem with leafy growth. Over several years, the saplings mature into flowering trees, developing a branching structure that supports clusters of white flowers. After pollination by insects, these flowers develop into clusters of bright pink to red berries by autumn, which are attractive to wildlife, thus facilitating seed dispersal. The tree continues to grow and can reach maturity at around 10 to 20 years, capable of living for several decades under suitable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The most popular method of propagating Vilmorin's Rowan (Sorbus vilmorinii) is through seed collection and sowing. Seeds are typically collected from ripe berries in the autumn, after which they undergo a cold stratification process to break dormancy. This involves mixing the seeds with a slightly moist medium like sand or peat and storing them in a refrigerator at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) for approximately 90 to 120 days. After stratification, the seeds are sown in a well-draining soil mix, lightly covered with soil, and kept moist until germination, which can take several weeks to a few months. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown on before being planted out in their permanent locations.
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