| Name |
Ornamental
- Sorbus Chinese Lace - 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. Responds well to coppicing. Plants are susceptible to fireblight.
Light: Mountain ash likes bright sunny conditions.
Moisture: Needs adequate moisture. Water during dry periods. |
| Family |
Rosaceae |
| Genus |
Sorbus |
| Synonyms |
Sorbus Chinese
Lace, Mountain Ash |
| Known
Hazards |
None
Known |
| Range |
Hardy
in Britain and Ireland. |
| Height |
Habit
is upright, to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide |
| Habitat |
As
a highlight set in a broad expanse of lawn there is nothing prettier. Use
them in groves and near the water where the colour show can be reflected
to double your viewing pleasure! |
| Characteristics |
Flowers
in spring and huge bunches of brightly coloured berries have made the
mountain ash a garden favourite. Grown for its ornamental leaves, with
their absolutely stunning red or yellow autumn colour, flowers, and red-orange
berries. Habit is upright, to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Leaves are
dark green, pinnate, 8 inches long, with many deeply divided, elliptic,
toothed leaflets. White flowers are borne in corymbs to 6 inches across
followed by round, red-orange fruit. This hardy tree can tolerate heat
or cold, strong winds and low humidity. Likes good drainage and will tolerate
most soils. Its ideal for the small garden. |
| Edible
Uses |
None
Known |
| Medicinal
Uses |
None
Known |
| Other
Uses |
The
fruit is very attractive to birds. 28 species of insects are associated
with this tree. |
| 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. |
| Cultivars |
Cultivars
and hybrids provide plants of various sizes, shapes, and berry colour. The
selected varieties are grafted onto rootstock from the species. |