Clusters ofshowy white flowersburst open in spring and are followed by vibrant redorange berries that are bold as brass.
The berries usually last into winter andbirds love them.
In autumn, the leaves turn brilliant yellow orange before they fall.
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It grows in Zones 2-6 and is not recommended for regions with warm, humid summers.
The fruit and seeds from mountain ash trees are potentially harmful to humans and pets.
It usually tops out between 15 and 20 feet tall, so it works well insmaller landscapes.
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With respect to soil, it prefers a well-drained, sandy orloamy acid soil.
In the home landscape, where the soil is probably more hospitable, it should thrive.
It requires minimal maintenance and rewards you with beautiful seasonal changes.
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Plant mountain ash in late fall or very early spring while the plant is dormant.
Mix some well-rotted manure or compost into the native soil to assure good drainage.
Fill in the hole with amended soil and water thoroughly.
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Your young tree should be watered regularly for its first couple years, until it becomes well established.
Be sure to allow at least 10 feet of space between your mountain ash and surrounding plants.
They will benefit from good air circulation.
Light
Mountain ashgrows well in full sunor part shade.
This tree has moderate water needs; water regularly and deeply until it is established.
Aim for an average of 1 inch of water per week.
Pruning
Itsbest to prune while the tree is dormantfrom late fall to early spring.
This is not necessary if you are growing it as a multi-stemmed tree or shrub.
Always remove any broken branches when you notice them.
Pests and Problems
Mountain ash is susceptible to several pests includingaphids, mites, and scales.
Horticultural oil or insecticidal soap will usually take care of these common pests.
Borers, such as the flat headed apple tree borer and the round-headed borer, can also cause problems.
BT is also effective against sawflies, which skeletonize leaves.
Spray the leaves when you notice the larvae feeding (usually in June and July).
Repeat the spray in two weeks, or if it rains.
The most common disease of mountain ash is fire blight.
Cracks develop in the bark (cankers) and the ooze that is emitted spreads the disease.
Since fast growing new growth is most susceptible, avoid using fast release nitrogen fertilizers.
These usually occur during periods of high humidity, especially where plants do not have good air circulation.
Avoid overcrowding your tree and use appropriate fungicides if a disease becomes serious.
How to Propagate Mountain Ash
Mountain ash can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
The best time to sow mountain ash seed is in the fall.
(They need a cold period to break their dormancy.)
Seed should be covered lightly with soil and kept evenly moist.
It may take a year for them to germinate, so you will need to be patient.
Using sharp, disinfected shears, take 6- to 8- inch cuttings just below a node.
Remove bottom leaves, so that only the top 2 inches of the stem have leaves.
Dip the ends of cuttings in arooting hormoneand stick them in a mixture of sand and perlite.
Keep them moist but not soggy.
Roots should begin to form in 6-8 weeks.
Its leaves, flowers, and fruit are considerably smaller than the American mountain ash.
It is considered invasive in Iowa, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin.
It grows as a multi-stemmed shrub that is only 3-12 feet tall.
Frequently Asked Questions
The mountain ash(Sorbusspp.)
is not a true ash(Fraxinusspp.).
The true ash trees are much taller and are typically grown as street trees orshade trees.
It may be too youngit takes a few years after planting before they typically begin to produce fruit.
If the tree is older, it may not be getting sufficient light.
