How to identify European mountain-ash (Sorbus aucuparia)
European mountain-ash, also known as Quickbeam, European Rowan, Quicken-Tree, Rowan, Witchwood, Ranty
European mountain-ash is a deciduous tree that reaches heights of up to 40 feet (12 meters). In its youth, it exhibits an erect, oval shape, which matures into a slender trunk with upward-curving branches. As it ages, the tree often adopts a multi-trunked and low-branching form. The foliage undergoes a seasonal transformation, showcasing yellow to reddish-purple leaves in the fall. Flowering occurs in late May, followed by fruiting in the late summer to early fall, producing berry-like fruits that are favored by birds.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Terminal corymbs of small, white flowers in late spring
Vibrant red-orange 1/3 inch (8.5 mm) berry-like fruits
Smooth, lanceolate pinnate leaves with serrated edges
Upright, spreading stem with visible lenticels
Bark transitions from smooth light gray to dark gray and rugged with age
The leaves of european mountain-ash are pinnate, ranging from 5 to 9 inches (13 to 23 cm) in length, and consist of 9-15 leaflets. Each leaflet is lanceolate, with the edges being serrate from the middle upward and smooth in the lower third. The surface is a vibrant green, transitioning to striking hues in the fall. The texture is smooth, and the leaflets display a prominent midrib with parallel veins extending towards the edges.
European mountain-ash produces flowers arranged in terminal corymbs, reaching up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. The flowers are small, white, and emit a foetid scent. Each flower features five petals, forming an attractive and distinct floral display. Blooming typically occurs in late spring. These characteristic flowers are crucial for identifying european mountain-ash and are a key aspect of its ornamental appeal.
The stem of european mountain-ash is characterized by its strongly upright and spreading branching pattern. The texture is relatively smooth and grayish-brown in color. Typically, the stem is medium-thick, with a diameter ranging from 0.5 inches to 1 inch (1.3 cm to 2.5 cm). The branching is prominent, often forming a broad, open crown. Unique features include lenticels that are visible as small, elongated spots on the stem surface.
The fruit of european mountain-ash consists of small, berry-like pomes, each typically measuring about 1/3 of an inch (approximately 8.5 mm) in diameter. These fruits exhibit a vibrant red-orange hue, contributing to their conspicuous appearance. The texture of the fruit is typically firm when immature, softening upon ripening. This bright coloration and size are key for distinguishing the fruit, serving as an identifying feature for european mountain-ash.
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Scientific Classification of European mountain-ash
