| Name |
Ornamental
- Sorbus Aucuparia - Cutleaf Mountain Ash |
| Cultivation |
Succeeds
in most reasonably good soils in an open sunny position. Grows well in
heavy clay soils. Tolerates some shade, though it fruits better in a sunny
position. Prefers a cool moist position and a lighter neutral to slightly
acid soil. Dislikes shallow soils or drought. Succeeds on chalk or acid
peats. A very wind firm tree tolerating very exposed and maritime positions.
Tolerates atmospheric pollution.
Some named varieties have been developed for their improved fruits which
are larger and sweeter than the type. Plants, and especially young seedlings,
are quite fast growing. The fruit is very attractive to birds. 28 species
of insects are associated with this tree. This hardy tree can tolerate
heat or cold, strong winds and low humidity. Canker and fire blight may
be a problem with this plant. Responds well to coppicing.
Light: Mountain ash
likes bright sunny conditions.
Moisture: Needs adequate moisture. Water during dry periods.
|
| Family |
Rosaceae |
| Genus |
Sorbus
Species: aucuparia |
| Synonyms |
Sorbus
Acuparia Asplenifolia, Cutleaf Mountain Ash, Rowan |
| Known
Hazards |
None
Known |
| Range |
Hardy
in Britain and Ireland |
| Height |
Long
a landscape favorite, mountain ash is an upright tree growing 25 - 40 feet
high with a rounded open crown. |
| Habitat |
Use
them in groves and near the water where the colour show can be reflected
to double your viewing pleasure! |
| Characteristics |
In late spring it covers itself with clusters of delicate white flowers.
The real show, however, starts in late summer when the flowers mature into
spectacular clusters of bright orange-red berries. Dull green pinnately
compound leaves are composed of 7 to 13 leaflets. This feathery foliage
and flamboyant fruit give this beauty an almost tropical dazzle. While the
leaves provide little color in the fall, they turn reddish brown and quickly
drop, the pea-sized berries persist in a display of color that lasts into
winter. Grown for its ornamental leaves, great red or yellow autumn colour,
flowers, and red-orange berries. Leaves are dark green, pinnate, 8 inches
long, with up to 12 lance-shaped leaflets which are sharply toothed. White
flowers are borne in corymbs to 5 inches across followed by round, red fruit.
'Asplenifolia' has saw-toothed leaves that are separated into divisions.
As a highlight set in a broad expanse of lawn there is nothing prettier.
|
| Edible
Uses |
Coffee;
Fruit; Leaves; Tea.
Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is very acid and large quantities of the
raw fruit can cause stomach upsets. It can be used to make delicious, if
slightly acidulous, jams and preserves, the fruit can also be dried and
used as a flour mixed with cereals. The fruit is about 7.5mm in diameter
and is produced in quite large bunches making harvest easy.
The leaves and flowers are used as a tea substitute. |
| Medicinal
Uses |
None
Known |
| Other
Uses |
Cosmetic;
Dye; Oil; Shelterbelt; Tannin; Wood.
An oil is obtained from the seed.
A cosmetic face-mask is made from the fruits and is used to combat wrinkled
skin.
A black dye is obtained from the young branches. All parts of the plant
contain tannin and can be used as a black dye.
Trees are very wind resistant and can be used in shelterbelt plantings.
Wood - hard, fine grained, compact and elastic. It is highly recommended
by wood turners and is also used to make hoops for barrels, cogs and furniture.
|
| Propagation |
Seed
- best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. If you have sufficient
seed it can be sown in an outdoor seedbed. Stored seed germinates better
if given 2 weeks warm then 14 - 16 weeks cold stratification, so sow it
as early in the year as possible. Prick out the seedlings into individual
pots when they are large enough to handle. Seedlings are very slow to put
on top-growth for their first year or two, but they are busy building up
a good root system. It is best to keep them in pots in a cold frame for
their first winter and then plant them out into their permanent positions
in late spring. |
| Cultivars |
Cultivars and hybrids provide plants of various sizes, shapes, and berry
colour. The selected varieties are grafted onto rootstock from the species |