# European mountain ash (*Sorbus aucuparia*) The European mountain ash is a tall tree with beautiful clusters of bright orange berries. It grows in cool, hilly areas and is loved by birds who eat its tasty fruits. - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 2 - **Habitat:** Mountain regions - **Also known as:** Quickbeam ![European mountain ash](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Rowan_berries.JPG&width=800) Photo: Thomas Bjørkan, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rowan_berries.JPG) ## Appearance The European mountain ash has striking clusters of small, five-petaled white flowers in spring, followed by abundant bright orange-red berries that persist into winter. Its leaves are distinctive, made up of many small, toothed leaflets arranged like a feather, giving a delicate appearance. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Rosales - **Family:** Rosaceae - **Genus:** Sorbus ## Interesting facts - Ancient cultures believed its wood protected against evil, often planting it near homes! - Its scientific name, 'aucuparia', comes from Latin for 'bird-catching', due to its irresistible berries. - The berries are packed with more Vitamin C than oranges, but taste best after frost or cooking! - This resilient tree can sprout back from its base even after being cut down, making it very tough. ## Special abilities - **Bird Magnet Berries:** European mountain ash produces abundant, bright red berries that attract birds, helping it spread its seeds far and wide. - **Tough Pioneer:** European mountain ash can grow in poor soils and harsh, exposed mountain environments, making it a natural colonizer of challenging sites. - **High-Altitude Hero:** This tree can thrive at high altitudes where other trees struggle, using its flexible branches to withstand strong winds and cold. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 800-1500 cm - **Spread:** 400-700 cm - **Flower Size:** 0.8-1 cm - **Bloom Season:** Spring to Summer - **Edible:** Yes - **Toxicity:** Mild - **Lifecycle:** Perennial - **Pollination Method:** Insect ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Blackbird (*Turdus merula*) — Blackbirds feast on its energy-rich berries. - **Eaten by:** Waxwing (*Bombycilla garrulus*) — Waxwings migrate to feed on its plentiful fruit. - **Eats:** Honeybee (*Apis mellifera*) — Honeybees collect nectar and pollen from its spring flowers. - **Shelter:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — Great Tits often nest among its branches in spring. ## Traits - [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons. - [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates. - [Cold Hardy](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/cold-hardy): Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage. - [Fruit Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fruit-tree): A fruit tree is a perennial tree that produces fruit, which is edible to humans or animals. - [Edible](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/edible): Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption. - [Fall Color](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fall-color): Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues. - [Timber](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/timber): Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Do not eat the berries without asking an adult, as they can be sour! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify European mountain ash? Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is European mountain ash? 800-1500 cm ### How wide does European mountain ash spread? 400-700 cm ### How big are the flowers on European mountain ash? 0.8-1 cm ### When does European mountain ash bloom? Spring to Summer ### Is European mountain ash edible? Yes ### Is European mountain ash toxic? Mild ### What is European mountain ash's lifecycle? Perennial ## Where to spot - [Harraseeket Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/harraseeket-historic-district) — Maine, US · Historic District - [Sitka National Historical Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sitka-national-historical-park) — US · National Park - [Naturpark Rhein-Taunus](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/naturpark-rhein-taunus) — Hessen, DE · Park - [Naturpark Sauerland-Rothaargebirge](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/naturpark-sauerland-rothaargebirge) — Nordrhein-Westfalen, DE · Park - [Botanischer Obstgarten Heilbronn](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/botanischer-obstgarten-heilbronn) — Baden-Württemberg, DE · Park [View all places to see European mountain ash](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/european-mountain-ash) ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [European mountain ash: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-mountain-ash)