# Greene's mountain ash (*Sorbus scopulina*) Greene's mountain ash is a beautiful tree that grows in the mountains. It has lovely clusters of bright berries and can grow quite tall, making it a special sight in nature. - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Mountain regions ![Greene's mountain ash](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Sorbusscopulina.jpg&width=800) Photo: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sorbusscopulina.jpg) ## Appearance The Greene's mountain ash is a small tree or shrub with compound leaves featuring many deeply serrated leaflets. It showcases flat-topped clusters of creamy-white flowers in late spring, followed by striking bright orange-red berries that persist into winter. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Rosales - **Family:** Rosaceae - **Genus:** Sorbus ## Interesting facts - It thrives on rocky mountain slopes where most other trees struggle! - Its tart berries, loved by birds, can be cooked into yummy human jams! - Some folklore claims its wood protects against lightning and evil spirits! - This 'ash' isn't a true ash; it's actually a member of the rose family! ## Special abilities - **Cold Resistor:** Greene's mountain ash can endure freezing temperatures, thriving in high-elevation and cold mountainous environments. - **Soil Pioneer:** Greene's mountain ash has roots that allow it to grow in rocky, nutrient-poor soils where other plants struggle. - **Bird Banquet:** Greene's mountain ash has persistent, vitamin-rich berries that provide a crucial food source for birds in winter. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 300-900 cm - **Spread:** 150-400 cm - **Flower Size:** 0.5-1 cm - **Bloom Season:** Late spring to early summer - **Edible:** Yes - **Toxicity:** Mild - **Lifecycle:** Perennial - **Pollination Method:** Insect ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Consumes its nutrient-rich berries in fall and winter. - **Eaten by:** [Cedar Waxwing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cedar-waxwing) (*Bombycilla cedrorum*) — Feeds heavily on its persistent berries, especially in winter. - **Eaten by:** [Mule Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mule-deer) (*Odocoileus hemionus*) — Browses on the foliage and twigs of young mountain ash plants. - **Pollinates:** European Honey Bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Visits its white flower clusters to collect nectar and pollen. ## Traits - [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons. - [Shade Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/shade-tolerant): Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight. - [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. - [Fruit Bearing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fruit-bearing): Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds. - [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. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [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. - [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. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Do not eat the berries without asking an adult, as they can be sour! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Greene's 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 Greene's mountain ash? 300-900 cm ### How wide does Greene's mountain ash spread? 150-400 cm ### How big are the flowers on Greene's mountain ash? 0.5-1 cm ### When does Greene's mountain ash bloom? Late spring to early summer ### Is Greene's mountain ash edible? Yes ### Is Greene's mountain ash toxic? Mild ### What is Greene's mountain ash's lifecycle? Perennial ## Where to spot - [Jenny Lake Boat Concession Facilities](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/jenny-lake-boat-concession-facilities) — Wyoming, US · Historic District - [Jenny Lake Ranger Station Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/jenny-lake-ranger-station-historic-district) — Wyoming, US · Historic District - [Old Administrative Area Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/old-administrative-area-historic-district) — Wyoming, US · Historic District [View all places to see Greene's mountain ash](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/greenes-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: [Greene's mountain ash: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/greenes-mountain-ash)