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Sorbus sitchensis
Sorbus sitchensis M. Roem.
Sitka Mountain-ash, Western Mountain Ash
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: SOSI2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
A 3-10 ft. shrub with many erect to spreading stems from a common base. Foliage is pinnately compound with 7-9 toothed leaflets. Flowers are small and white in dense, flat-topped clusters. They are followed by huge clusters of big, reddish-orange, persistent berries. Fall foliage is yellow to bronzy-red.
The Sitka Mountain Ash is a member of the family Rosaceae which includes about 2000 species of trees, shrubs, and herbs worldwide; approximately 77 native and 9 naturalized tree species and many species of shrubs and herbs in North America; including service-berries (Amelanchier), hawthorns (Crataegus), apples (Malus), plums and cherries (Prunus), and mountain-ashes (Sorbus).
From the Image Gallery
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower:
Fruit: Red
Size Class: 6-12 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AK , CA , ID , MT , OR , WACanada: BC
Native Distribution: AK & Yukon, s. through mts. to n. CA, e. to e. B.C., n. ID & n.w. MT
Native Habitat: Wooded or open, upper montane to subalpine slopes
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist to drier, well-drained soil.
Conditions Comments: Not Available
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Grouse, cedar waxwings & grosbeaks consume the berries.Attracts: Birds
Propagation
Description: Usually propagated by seed sown fresh in fall or stored and stratified.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Cold stratify at 32 degrees for 2-4 months.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FAC | FAC | FAC |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Sorbus sitchensis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Sorbus sitchensis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Sorbus sitchensis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff