How to identify American mountain-ash (Sorbus americana)

How to identify American mountain-ash (Sorbus americana)

American mountain-ash, also known as European Mountain Ash, American servicetree, Quickbeam, Winetree, Life-Of-Man, Moose-Misse, Missey-moosey, Small-Fruited Mountain Ash, American Rowan

American mountain-ash is a deciduous tree or shrub with an open rounded crown, reaching heights of 15 to 30 feet (4.5 to 9 meters) tall and similar dimensions in width. It showcases white flowers in spring, which give way to bright orange-red fruits in autumn. The foliage also turns a striking orange-red during the fall, contributing to its visual appeal. Its stature and distinctive seasonal color changes make it an identifiable species within its growth habitats.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify American mountain-ash

Deciduous tree or shrub reaching 15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters) in height with an open rounded crown.

White urn-shaped flowers with 4 petals, blooming from June to July in dense corymbs.

Bright red-orange 1/4 inch (6 mm) fruit persisting on bare branches, peaking in September to October.

Compound leaves with 9-17 dark yellow-green leaflets, transitioning to vibrant yellow in autumn.

Smooth gray trunk with distinctive scaly patches, developed from small lenticels in youth.

Detailed Traits of American mountain-ash

Leaf Features

The leaves of american mountain-ash are 6-10 inch (15-25 cm) long compound structures, each comprising 9-17 dark yellow-green leaflets. The individual leaflets measure 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length and feature unequal, wedge-shaped or rounded bases with serrated margins. The undersides of these leaflets are paler, and new leaves are downy, becoming smoother as they mature. In autumn, the foliage transitions to a vibrant yellow.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of american mountain-ash are characterized by dense, flattened corymbs measuring 3-6 inches (7.6-15.2 cm) across. Each individual flower is urn-shaped, 1/8-1/4 inch (3-6 mm) in size, and creamy white in color. They feature four petals and bloom from June to July.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of american mountain-ash is initially downy, later becoming smooth with a brown hue tinged with red. The stem buds are dark red and covered in fine hairs. The stems are typically slender, branching in a pattern that enhances its airy appearance, characteristic of young growth stages.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of american mountain-ash are vibrant red-orange pomes, each measuring roughly 1/4 inch (about 6 mm) in diameter. These berry-like fruits mature in the late summer and early fall, peaking around September to October. Their firm texture and persistence on the branches throughout winter make them conspicuous against the bare limbs. Though small, their bright hue, longevity, and characteristic shape facilitate recognition and distinction among other similar fruits.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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