American Mountain Ash

Other common names: mountain ash, small-fruited mountain-ash

Mature Height: 30 ft

Soil / Climate: American Mtn Ash is native to northern North America and Eastern Canada. Grows in dry rocky areas, to moist rich woods. Prefers full sun. Zones 3-7

Notes: Grayish, yellow-brown smooth bark. Long, compound leaves with sharp toothed edges. Leaves turn orange-red in autumn. Flowers are white or pink. Berries are orange-red and 1/4 inch in diameter. Buds are shiny, in contrast with the European version's pubescent buds.The fruit ripens in October and remains on the tree all winter.

Wildlife: Fruit is a favorite food of the ruffed grouse, the red-headed woodpecker, gray catbird, robin, bluebird, sharp-tailed grouse, blue grouse, American robins, other thrushes, waxwings, jays, and oriole. The berries are also eaten by numerous small mammals such as squirrels and rodents. It is also preferred browse for moose and white-tailed deer. Moose will eat foliage, twigs, and bark.

Cold Stream Farm sells wholesale American Mountain Ash trees. Their trees and shrubs are grown as bare root seedlings and transplants and sold both wholesale and retail with no minimum order. Cold Stream guarantees that their trees are affordable, healthy and free from disease and pests.

The American Mountain Ash, also known as the Small-Fruited Mountain-Ash or by its scientific name, Sorbus americana, is a variety that is especially popular with homeowners. With a mature height of up to thirty feet, this Northern flowering tree is native to the Northern United States and Eastern Canada, and is able to thrive in various soils and environments from dry, rocky areas to moist woods.

Sorbus americana is known for its slow growth, oval shape, smooth grayish bark and beautiful leaves, flowers and fruit. In Spring, the Mountain Ash displays pink or white flowers, but in Autumn, its leaves change to shades of orange, red and purple. Its shiny berries attract many birds including grouses, bluebirds, thrushes and more. Its foliage and bark invite moose and white-tailed deer.