European Mountain-Ash

General
Scientific Name: Sorbus aucuparia
Family: Rosaceae (Rose)
Hardiness: Zone 3
Leaves: Deciduous
Plant Type: Tree

Growth
Rate: n/a
Mature Height: 25’ to 45’
Longevity: Short
Power Line: No

Ornamental
Flowers: Cream to white
Fruit: Orange-red berry like
Fall Color: Red

A small to medium-sized tree native to northern Europe and Asia. The most widely planted of all the mountain-ash species. This genus is in the Rose family and is susceptible to fireblight. Sunscald may also be a problem on young trees. The largest tree in North Dakota is 36 feet tall with a canopy spread of 39 feet.

Light: Full sun.
Water: Requires additional water during droughts. Does not tolerate ponding or standing water.
Soil: Prefers well drained loam soils. Does not tolerate salinity.

European mountain-ash performs poorly in hot, humid summers. It is susceptible to fire-blight and canker diseases. Sunscald can occur on young, thin-barked trees. 

An excellent tree for the fruit effect but its use should be tempered by the knowledge it is susceptible to many pests and diseases.

Credits: Tree Selector Website, North Dakota Tree Handbook, http:// www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx? kempercode=a909, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants 6th edition