NGC - Mountain Ash for the Prairies

ORNAMENTAL TREE

SORBUS: MTN. ASH

Mountain Ash is one of the more recognizable ornamental trees, with its fragrant clusters of tiny white flowers and feathery, fern-like foliage. The trademark of the Mountain Ash is the decorative clusters of reddish-orange berries that remain on the branches well into the winter. Birds are attracted to these berries. Lustrous cinnamon bark adds to the winter appeal of this showy tree. Mountain Ash prefer to be planted in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Good choice for a shade tree or a feature tree.

Mountain Ash Cultivars for the Prairies

Cultivar Name	Size	Zone	Foliage	Fall Colour	Description
Cardinal Royal Mountain Ash Sorbus aucuparia 'Michred'	25' x 20' (8m x 6m)	3	Dark green with silver undersides.	Brilliant- red	Vigorous grower with an upright, rounded shape bearing brilliant red berries in the fall. From Michigan State University.
European Mountain Ash Sorbus aucuparia	25' x 20' (8m x 6m)	3	Deep green	Orange- red	Rounded, upright shape with large panicles of creamy- white flowers followed by orange-red berries in the fall. Does best in a well drained, slightly shaded location.
Russian Mountain Ash Sorbus aucuparia 'Rossica'	25' x 20' (8m x 6m)	3	Large, dark green, saw- toothed leaves	Orange- red	A selection of the European Mountain Ash with an upright pyramidal form and a dense crown bearing showy fruit. Resistant to fireblight.
Showy Mountain Ash Sorbus decora 'Grootendorst'	25' x 20' (8m x 6m)	2	Dark green	Orange - red	The hardiest and the slowest growing of this species, with a dense, rounded form and bright red berries. Clusters of flowers are larger and also bloom longer then the other Mountain Ash flowers. Moderate resistance to fireblight.
Oakleaf Mountain Ash Sorbus thuringiaca 'Fastigiata'	25' x 20' (8m x 6m)	3	Matte green with white undersides	Orange - red	An upright, oval shaped tree with unique oak-shaped leaves and large fruit that is redder then the other Mountain Ash berries. Excellent disease resistance.

Revised by Rachel Giesbrecht on June 28, 2005.