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Native Plant Database

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Sorbus decora (Sarg.) Schneid.

Northern mountain ash, Northern mountain-ash, Showy mountain-ash

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Synonyms: Pyrus decora

USDA Symbol: sode3

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A 25-50 ft. tree with a narrow crown and ascending branching. Branches low to the ground. Foliage is pinnately-compound with a blue-green, summer hue. Autumn color is yellow-orange to reddish-purple. Terminal clusters of white blossoms are followed by heavily drooping clusters of glossy, red or orange berries.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Autumn Foliage: yes
Fruit: Red
Size Class: 36-72 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun

Distribution

USA: CT , IA , IL , IN , MA , ME , MI , MN , NH , NY , OH , PA , VT , WI
Canada: MB , NB , NL , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Distribution: Lab. to n. Ont. & s.e. Man., s. to n.w. MA, NY, n. OH, WI & MN
Native Habitat: Wet to mesic woods; cool, moist slopes; lake shores
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N), GL(N), SPM(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Soil Description: Any poor- to well-drained, wet to mesic soil.
Conditions Comments: Fire blight and borers are serious problems. This is also a very weak-wooded tree. It is difficult to find reliable sources of native species of mountain ash.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: An intermediate source of food for songbirds, waterfowl and small mammals.x
Warning: Seeds are toxic and can be fatal to children if eaten. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.
Attracts: Birds

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Sorbus decora in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Sorbus decora in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Sorbus decora

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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