Mountain Ash Tree Facts: Here's Everything You Need To Know

Although mountain ash trees are native to North America, they can be found in many different habitats.

If you haven't heard a lot about the mountain ash tree before, you perhaps aren't the only one; many people have never heard of this type of tree before. These trees are known for their vibrant red berries, which birds and other wildlife can eat.

The tree, which we commonly call the mountain ash tree, belongs to the genus Sorbus and its species is Sorbus americana. The mountain ash tree is regarded as a deciduous perennial tree that belongs to the family Rosaceae.

These tree types are also known as rowan trees and are widely grown for their large clusters of flowers and bright-colored fruits.

The two most notable species of mountain ash tree are the American mountain ash tree, commonly known as dogberry, and the European mountain ash tree or the quickbeam, rowan berry. As the name suggests, the Sorbus americana species of the tree is native to North America, whereas the Sorbus aucuparia is generally found in Europe, North Africa, and Asia.

It is also regarded as a shrub belonging to the rose family.

Mountain Ash Tree Classification

Mountain ash trees are commonly divided into two types, the American species, and the European species, although the classification of both types is more or less the same. Both the trees belong to the same genus but belong to two different species, due to which they have physical differences.

• Thankfully, despite the constant threat of deforestation, both the Sorbus americana and Sorbus aucuparia belong to the Least Concern category of the Conservation status marking.
• Unsurprisingly, the mountain ash tree belongs to the Plantae kingdom.
• Did you know both the American mountain ash tree and the European mountain ash tree belong to Clade Tracheophytes, Angiosperms, Eudicots, and Rosids?
• Mountain ashes belong to the order 'Rosales.' When it comes to classifying this tree based on family, they belong to the 'Rosaceae' family, commonly known as the rose family.
• As the scientific name of this tree suggests, it belongs to the Sorbus genus, which has led to the name of the different tree species being Sorbus americana and Sorbus aucuparia.
• Depending upon the tree species, many of these rowan berry trees can be kept small and used as ornamental trees for medium to small-sized gardens.

Where do mountain ash trees grow?

Whether it is the Sorbus americana species or the Sorbus aucuparia, mountain ashes are one of the most attractive-looking tree types. They aren't very fussy about their location and conditions. At the same time, they can grow in various soil types, but the soil must not get waterlogged or completely dried out.

• In general, mountain ash trees can grow anywhere out in the open irrespective of whether the place has full sun or is in partial shade.
• At the same time, mountain ashes can grow in all soil types without any hiccup. Still, they prefer well-drained soil with considerable organic matter and can conveniently retain moisture during the summer and spring seasons.
• When it comes to particularly American mountain ash trees, they grow better in mountain areas and do not perform well in hot and humid conditions.
• At the same time, scientists have discovered that the American mountain ash trees perform significantly better when grown in acidic soil with good drainage facilities.
• These acid soils contain vitamins and minerals, which are believed to be optimum for the growth of this tree.
• Did you know, in naturally slopy areas, the mountain ash tree is used as a shade tree by animals as well as humans?
• While choosing the area for growing this tree type, one must consider the insects that are around as this small tree often tends to have a short life span because of getting affected by insects or some other disease.
• Additionally, if you are planting this tree under full sun in the open, it is better to plant it between November and March.
• But, if the plant-like tree is grown inside a small container, then it is better to plant it in winter or autumn, or spring but not summer.

Characteristics Of Mountain Ash Trees

Mountain ash trees grown in Northern America are also known as Pyrus americana. The features of this tree type are pretty interesting. Some species of these trees grow till the size of a plant but bear berry-like fruits, usually orange-red. Let us take a look at some more characteristics of mountain ashes.

• On average, mountain ashes attain a height of 40 ft (12 m), but under ideal conditions, some achieve a height of up to 49 ft (15 m).
• Interestingly, even though these trees can live more than 300 years, they attain their maximum height, usually by the age of 20-30.
• The bark of this tree has a smooth surface of light gray.
• The tree has red petiole or dark green colored leaves, which usually grow up to 6-10 in (15.2-25.4 cm) in size.
• The tree has flowers during May and June once its leaves are fully grown. At this time is loaded with clusters of white flowers approximately the size of 1/8th of an inch when measured diagonally.
• The fruits borne by this plant become ripe by October but remain on the tree throughout the winter.
• The berries contain malic acid, which gives the fruit a sour taste. They also have light brown colored seeds inside.
• The tree looks exquisitely beautiful during autumn foliage when it has white flowers and orange-red berries all over it.
• Spring, Summer, and Autumn comprise the primary foliage seasons of this plant.
• This plant's orange-red berries play a pivotal role in attracting birds like finches, cardinals, and chickadees.
• Being deciduous trees, the trees lose their leaves during autumn but are laden with orange-colored berries.
• Contrary to many rumors and beliefs, the ash borer doesn't threaten mountain ash trees as it isn't an actual ash tree.