ExploreTree

Mountain Ash

Sorbus aucuparia

The Mountain Ash is a tall tree known for its bright red berries. It provides food for many birds and animals.

Habitat: Mountain regions and forests

Appearance

The Mountain Ash is a slender tree with smooth, grey bark and fern-like, pinnate leaves. In spring, it boasts clusters of white flowers, followed by vibrant orange-red berries that persist into winter, making it stand out against winter landscapes.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusSorbus

Mountain Ash

Interesting facts

Ancient people thought Mountain Ash protected against dark magic!

Bees love its white spring flowers, making yummy honey!

Its super tart berries are packed with more Vitamin C than oranges!

The strong, flexible wood was once used to make spears and bows.

Special abilities

Mountain Ash has bright red berries that attract birds, helping to spread its seeds far and wide for new growth.

Mountain Ash can endure harsh winter climates, allowing it to grow in chilly mountainous and northern regions.

This tree is a pioneer, able to quickly colonize open, sunny areas, helping new forests to begin growing.

Measurements & details

Height: 8-15 m
Canopy Spread: 4-8 m
Is Edible: No
Trunk Diameter: 30-50 cm
Lifespan: 80-120 years
Fruit Type: Pome
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

eaten by

European Blackbird

Turdus merula

Its bright berries are a winter feast.

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Buzzes around its sweet spring blossoms.

eats

Roe Deer

Capreolus capreolus

Browses on young leaves and tender bark.

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Ornamental

These lovely plants are grown simply because they are so beautiful to look at, adding splashes of color and interesting shapes to any garden or landscape.

Broadleaf Tree

Discover magnificent trees that have wide, flat leaves, unlike the needles of pine trees! These are often the trees that change colors beautifully in autumn.

Fruit Bearing

These amazing plants develop fruits, which often contain seeds and are sometimes delicious treats for us or wildlife. They're nature's way of spreading new life!

Fruit Tree

Discover trees that grow delicious fruits, providing a natural bounty of snacks for people and animals alike. Imagine picking an apple right from the branch!

Fall Color

Witness the breathtaking transformation as leaves change from green to brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold before they fall. It's a spectacular natural art show!