SORBUS DECORA / SHOWY MOUNTAINASH

SORBUS DECORA / SHOWY MOUNTAIN-ASH

A Native Tree with Stunning Berries and Year-Round Interest

Sorbus decora, commonly known as Showy Mountain-Ash, is a native deciduous tree admired for its clusters of bright white flowers in spring, vibrant red berries in fall, and attractive foliage. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soils, Showy Mountain-Ash is ideal for naturalized landscapes, wildlife gardens, and ornamental plantings. Its seasonal interest and ecological benefits make it a standout native tree.

Why Choose Showy Mountain-Ash?

Showy Flowers: White blossoms in spring attract pollinators.
Bright Red Berries: Berries persist into winter, providing food for birds.
Wildlife Friendly: Flowers and fruit support pollinators and birds.
Ornamental Value: Compact, upright form with year-round visual interest.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Medium green leaves turning yellow to red in fall.
Flower Color: White flowers in flat-topped clusters in late spring.
Fruit: Bright red berries in fall and winter.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 20–35 feet tall and 15–25 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 2–6.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates loam, clay, or sandy soils.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 20–35 feet tall, 15–25 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright deciduous tree with rounded crown.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 2–6.
Flowering/Fruiting: Flowers in late spring; berries in fall and winter.
Fall Interest: Leaves turn yellow to red; berries provide winter color.

Ideal Uses:

Ornamental Landscaping: Adds year-round interest with flowers, berries, and fall color.
Wildlife Plantings: Supports pollinators and provides food for birds through winter.
Naturalized Landscapes: Works well in woodland edges and native plantings.
Street & Garden Trees: Compact size makes it suitable for small landscapes and urban settings.

Showy Mountain-Ash is a visually striking and ecologically valuable native tree. Its white flowers, bright red berries, and seasonal color make it an excellent choice for ornamental plantings, wildlife gardens, and naturalized landscapes.