Mountain Ash Fruit

     Mountain Ash Fruit       

      Mountain Ash – sorbus domestica

Mountain ashes are attractive, deciduous, ornamental trees, many of which are suitable for even small to average-sized gardens. They look fabulous in spring, covered in their flowers, and again in autumn when their fruit and autumn foliage provide more interest and colour. Other names are European rowan, rowan, witch wiggin tree and European mountain ash.

Mature trees can grow to 15m in height and can live for up to 200 years. The bark is smooth and silvery grey, and leaf buds are purple and hairy.  Look out for: its 5–8 pairs of serrated leaflets which are distinctive.  Identified in winter by: the young twigs which start hairy and become smooth later. Buds are hairy all over. Terminal buds (on the ends of shoots) are up to 8mm in length and lateral buds (in leaf axils) have 2–5 scales.

This is a small to medium-sized, rounded, deciduous tree native to Europe, Siberia and western Asia. It has also become naturalized in northern regions of North America--from Newfoundland to Alaska. Many features make it a showy landscape tree all season long, including its feathery, compound leaves, flat heads of musky-scented white spring flowers, fall clusters of vibrant red-orange berry-like pomes and vibrant fall leaf colour that ranges from yellow to red or burgundy. The edible pomes are favoured by birds, but may also be processed into a tasty, tart jelly that is eaten with poultry.

Plant the European mountain ash in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It grows best in slightly acid soils but will tolerate more alkaline soils. It also withstands strong winds, harsh winter cold and some summer heat. For best fall foliage colour, water trees during substantial periods of summer drought. Plant in the landscape as a small shade tree or lawn specimen.

The pinnately compound leaves are arranged alternately on the stem, each one featuring 9–15 leaflets.  White flowers are produced in May and are borne in clusters.  After the flower show, the tree will be covered with clusters of red-orange pome fruits.

The majority of mountain ash species and varieties aren’t too fussy about their position – they will grow in open, sunny sites or partial shade. They prefer a fertile, well-drained soil enriched with lots of organic matter, which holds plenty of moisture in spring and summer, doesn’t dry out or become waterlogged. Mountain ash trees will grow in just about all soils types.

Planting Mountain Ash

Plant bare-root trees between November and March, and container-grown ones any time of year, but preferably in autumn, winter or spring. Dig a hole 60x60cm (2x2ft) and 30cm (12in) deep. Add a layer of organic matter – such as compost or well-rotted manure – to the base of the hole and dig in. Place the roots in the planting hole and adjust the planting depth so that the tree is planted at the same depth as it was originally growing and the top of the roots are level with the soil surface.

Mix in more organic matter with the excavated soil and fill in the planting hole. Stake the tree with a rigid tree stake and two tree ties so that it is fully supported against the prevailing winds. Water in well, apply a granular general feed over the soil around the tree and add a 5-7.5 cm (2-3 in) deep mulch of well-rotted garden compost or bark chippings around the root area.  If planting in the lawn, create a turf-free circular bed around the tree with a minimum diameter of 60cm (2ft).

Mountain Ash (Rowan) tree produce an edible fruit and is cultivated for both the domestic and commercial purposes. Most Rowan berries are processed into the products such as sauce, juice, jam, wine and also dried. 

These berries are loaded with various amounts of nutrients such as Vitamin C, dietary fiber and scorbic acid. It also possesses antioxidants that assist the body to prevent the diseases. Rowan berries helps to enhance the immune system, digestion, respiratory system, prevent cancers and lower the bacterial infections. The fruit, bark and leaf of Rowan berry are useful. In folk medicine, Rowan berries are used to prevent diabetes, anemia, hemorrhoids, kidney & liver ailments and gastrointestinal problems. The fruit have diuretic, diaphoretic and hemostatic properties. Rowan berries are included in the diet in the form of jams, jellies, fruits, pies, juices and desserts.

Rowan berries contains adequate amounts of dietary fiber which promotes the digestion and lowers constipation by adding bulk to the stool and stimulating the gastrointestinal system. Scorbic acid is associated with lowering the effects of bacterial and microbial agents in the body as well as skin. The extracts of Rowan berry is used in the cosmetic use and also as a food source. It acts as an antimicrobial and antibacterial booster.

The juice of Rowan berry was used in traditional medicine to cure the respiratory tract inflammation, relieve congestion, asthma and sore throat. This may be due to the presence of antioxidant properties which acts as an anti-inflammation. Vitamin C helps to alleviate the symptoms of asthma. Rowan berries are used as an aid for the respiratory problems.

Mountain Ash (Rowan) Varieties

Sorbus domestica (Service Tree) - A medium tree from Europe. Bears large crops of large (25 mm, 1 inch) fruits which are edible when bletted or cooked, with a an excellent rich flavour when fully ripe. The fruits are commercially used as a source of fruit juice. The timber makes good fuel and the bark is used for tanning. Likes sun or part shade. Suitable for all types of soil that have a moisture content.  Ultimate height  7m (24ft), spread 5m (16ft).

Sorbus aucuparia, the common mountain ash, is an upright tree with clusters of white flowers in late spring, followed by orange-red berries in autumn and yellow autumn leaf colours.

Sorbus cashmiriana can be grown as a large, spreading shrub or small tree. The pink flowers are followed by white fruit in autumn.

Sorbus commixta (Japanese Rowan) - A small erect tree, the mid-green, pinnate foliage turns vivid red in the autumn and orangey red berries are produced in large clusters.  These berries are popular with birds throughout the winter and provide an additional element of seasonal interest. Corymbs of fluffy white flowers appear in May-June and are very popular with bees and other pollinating insects.  Ultimate height  6m (19ft),  Spread   4m (12ft).

Sorbus commixta ‘Embley’ is an upright, medium-sized tree with creamy-white flowers, deep red fruit and bright red and orange autumn leaf colours.

Sorbus ‘Eastern Promise’ is a small, rounded tree with clusters of small white flowers, rose-pink berries in autumn and purple and orange-red autumn leaf colours.

Sorbus ‘Joseph Rock’ is an upright tree with white flowers, yellow berries and orange, purple and red autumn leaf colours.

Sorbus reducta is a suckering shrub with small clusters of white flowers followed by pale pink to white fruit and purple autumn leaf colours.

Sorbus sargentiana is a spreading medium-sized tree with white flowers, large clusters of red berries and orange-red autumn leaf colours.

Sorbus hupehensis 'Pink Pagoda' has some of the most gorgeous pink berries of all Mountain Ash. Before the berries, attractive blue-green pinnate foliage turns to intense red and orange autumn colours. In May-June, fluffy white corymbs of flowers appear which are popular with honey bees. The berries which follow emerge rose pink in big bundles, before turning paler pink in the winter adding a splash of colour to gardens in autumn and winter. These berries not only look beautiful but they provide tasty food for birds in the winter months. A fairly compact tree with a bushy habit, this Pink Hupeh Rowan will reach a height and spread of 6 x 3 metres in 20 years. Sorbus 'Pink Pagoda' will grow in most positions, including exposed areas. It is often also known as Sorbus November Pink.

Sorbus Americana (American Mountain Ash) - A Small to medium sized tree very popular for all year interest, oval shape, smooth greyish bark and beautiful leaves, flowers and fruit. In Spring, the Mountain Ash displays pink or white flowers, but in Autumn, its leaves change to shades of orange, red and purple. Its shiny berries attract many birds including thrushes and more. Ideal screening tree, suitable for the smaller garden.  Ultimate height  5m (18ft),  Spread   3m (10ft).

Sorbus Apricot Queen - A rounded tree with greyish downy winter buds that open to dark green leaves. turning red or yellow in autumn. Clusters of white flowers in late spring are followed by apricot yellow berries in large bunches.  Ultimate height 7m (24ft),  Spread   4m (12ft).

Sorbus aria Aurea - Slow growing variety with soft yellow leaves, ultimately smaller than type.  Ultimate height  4m (12ft),  Spread   3m (10ft).

Sorbus aria (Whitebeam) - a compact and domed small growing tree. The bark and twigs are smooth and grey, and the shoots are brick red in sunlight, but grayish green in shade. The leaves are green on the top surface with the underneath covered in white, felt-like hair. When the leaves first unfold they look like magnolia flowers, sometimes called the poor man’s magnolia, they fade to a rich russet colour before falling in autumn.  The five-petalled flowers appear in clusters in May, followed by scarlet berries in autumn.  Ultimate height 5m (18ft), Spread 4m (12ft).

Sorbus aria Lutescens - Ornamental variety of the common whitebeam forming a uniform upright tree, which spreads with age, Leaves appear in spring looking like small magnolia flowers bursting, leaves are silvery on the upper and lower surfaces making it attractive an attractive addition to the spring garden, Flowers are white in April followed by red fruit in the autumn.  Ultimate height 6m (24ft), spread 5m (16ft).

Sorbus aria Magnifica - More upright form, with larger leaves than the other varieties in the aria group, leaves are green on the upper surface and silvery underneath staying on well into autumn.  Ultimate height 8m (34ft), spread 5m (16ft).

Sorbus aria majestic - Medium sized tree, symmetrical head, quite compact. The leaves are green on the upper surface and silvery underneath, staying in good condition throughout the season. In late spring heads of white flowers are born in bunches. These give way to small green berries which fill out as the year goes on, turning deep red with the autumn. The leaves take on russet and yellow autumn tints. It tolerates a wide range of soils including shallow chalk. Ultimate height 6m (19ft), spread 5m (16ft).

Sorbus arnoldiana Salmon Queen - Tree of the Mountain ash group with green pinnate leaves made up of 12-15 leaflets. A more upright habit, scented white flowers in April followed by bunches of salmon coloured berries in autumn. Not suitable as with most Mountain ash for dry soils, particularly over chalk.  Ultimate height 7m (24ft), spread 5m (16ft).

Sorbus Cardinal Royal - A vigorous grower with symmetrical, upright, narrow-oval form, leaves dark green above and silvery beneath, showy white flowers in spring, and with brilliant red fruit in August and September.  The bark is shiny dark brown and smooth until later age. On this variety, the limbs are well attached, but strongly ascending and appearing quite narrow, especially when young.  Ultimate height 8m (35ft), spread 6m (19ft).

Sorbus Chinese Lace - A small tree with deeply cut green feather-like leaves that turn red-purple in autumn. The tree produces delicate white flowers in late spring and red-orange berries in autumn.  Ultimate height 6m (19ft), spread 4m (12ft).

Sorbus Coral Beauty - Upright growing form, green leaves with white flowers in spring followed by coral coloured berries, very showy when fully laden with fruit. Ultimate height 7m (24ft), spread 5m (16ft).

Sorbus x hostii - Slow growing small tree or shrub, leaves similar to Sorbus intermedia, green above, silvery below. Flowers are pale pink in flat corymbs with bright red fruit. Ideal where space is limited.  Ultimate height 3m (10ft), spread 2m (6ft).

Sorbus hupehensis - Strong growing upright tree with thick ascending branches. Leaves are large pinnate with 8-10 leafletsand have a bluish green appearance. Flowers are white, scented followed by white fruit tinged with pink which are persistent into the winter. Leaves give some autumn colour. good tree for the small garden.  Ultimate height 6m (19ft), spread 3m (10ft).

Sorbus hupehensis Obtusa Rosea - This variety is similar to hupehensis with blue-green, pinnate leaves made up of blunt leaflets that turn purple and red in autumn. In spring, it bears clusters of creamy-white flowers, followed by pink, shiny berries in autumn. Ultimate height 6m (19ft), spread 3m (10ft).

Sorbus intermedia (Swedish Whitebeam) - Small to medium sized tree with a dense rounded head.   Leaves dark green and glossy above and grey tormentose below. Flowers are white in early spring followed by fruit 12mm across orange-red in bunches in the autumn.  Ultimate height 12m (26ft), spread 10m (31ft).

Sorbus intermedia Brouwers - Clonal variation of the Swedish Whitebeam which, produces a uniform wine goblet head which is regular and pyramidal in shape and offers little variation between individual trees.  This tree will tolerate the harshest conditions; including wind exposure, coastal environments and calcareous soils. In general it will tolerate most soil conditions and thus is a very versatile tree. The creamy white flowers appear in May and are followed by small orange-red fruit in the autumn.  Ultimate height 7m (24ft), spread 5m (16ft).

Sorbus x  Kewensis - A Hardy free fruiting Mountain Ash.  Leaves green with white scented blossom in spring followed by bright red berries in bunches, in the autumn, causing the branches to bend with the weight.  A round headed tree suitable for a wildlife garden. Ultimate height 6m (19ft), spread 4m (12ft).

Sorbus Koeheneana - Medium sized tree or small shrub. leaves are narrow and small, white flowers followed by porcelain white berries with pink tinge, hanging in drooping bunches.  Ultimate height 3m (10ft), spread 2m (6ft).

Sorbus sargentiana - Very slow growing small to medium sized tree, one of the most striking Sorbus for autumn colour. Buds are sticky like the Horse chestnut, leaves green pinnate with 8-10 broad leaflets, turning striking shades of orange in autumn. Flowers are white followed by erect large bunches of orange-red berries.  Ultimate height 4m (13ft), spread 2m (6ft).

Sorbus thibetica John Mitchell - A Handsome medium to large tree, with a broad rounded head. The leaves are large rounded about 15cm long and almost as wide, green above silvery on underside. Flowers are white in loose bunches followed by apple shaped russet-brown fruit. Ultimate height 8m (35ft), spread 6m (25ft).

Korean Mountain Ash - Sorbus Alnifolia - glossy, simple, Alnus-like leaves make this Asian native an unusual mountain ash species relative to most others which have pinnately compound leaves. Alder-leaved whitebeam is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that originates from the slopes, mixed forests and thickets of China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. It is a handsome landscape tree that maintains a pyramidal habit when young and rounded canopy when older.

Sorbus wilsoniana -  Very similar and closely related to the well-known and popular S. sargentiana, differing only in being quicker growing and slightly smaller in all parts.  It is an equally good garden tree, sharing its characteristic strong autumn colours and big orange clusters of fruits.  Ultimate height 6m (24ft), spread 2m (6ft).

Sorbus torminalis (Wild Service Tree) - A native, deciduous tree, the Wild Service Tree is a relatively rare sight in Britain, despite its attractiveness, and is primarily found in pockets of ancient woodland and occasionally within hedgerows. Lobed leaves, similar to that of the Maple, which turn a rich, purply-red colour prior to falling in autumn. The white flowers develop into green/brown oval fruits, sometimes referred to as ‘chequers’, which have a diameter of between 10-15mm and are patterned with small, pale spots when mature.  Ultimate height 6m (19ft), spread   4m (12ft).

Sorbus wardii - A Rare species of Sorbus, its branches are stiff and erect. Young leaves are very grey and showy when young becoming green on upper surface and silvery underneath. Ideal for a limited space.  Ultimate height 5m (18ft), spread 2m (6ft).

Sorbus vilmorinii - A small, elegant spreading tree. Pinnate leaves made up of lots of small leaflets 11-21, almost fern like. White flowers held in drooping bunches followed by small pink fruit which hang daintily along the branches. Ultimate height  4m (13ft), spread 2m (6ft).

Sorbus thuringiaca Fastigiata (Bastard Service Tree) - Very formal lollipop shaped head.  A cultivar of Sorbus thuringiaca which itself is a hybrid between Sorbus aria and Sorbus aucuparia. This tree has the best features of its parents, the leaves are like Sorbus aria, green with white beneath, but the leaves are narrower and lobed at the base. The habit is compact and upright with white flowers followed by glossy red berries.  Good street tree.   Ultimate height 6m (19ft), spread 4m (12ft).

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