# showy mountain-ash (*Sorbus decora*) The showy mountain-ash is a beautiful tree with bright orange berries and lovely white flowers. It grows tall and provides food for birds and other animals in the forest. - **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Forests - **Also known as:** Decorative Mountain Ash, Showy Sorbus ![showy mountain-ash](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Showy_mountain-ash_%28Sorbus_decora%29_6192.jpg&width=800) Photo: Hedwig Storch, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Showy_mountain-ash_%28Sorbus_decora%29_6192.jpg) ## Appearance The showy mountain-ash has smooth grey bark, large compound leaves, and vibrant clusters of red-orange berries. Its foliage turns brilliant scarlet in autumn, making it stand out visually in northern forests. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Rosales - **Family:** Rosaceae - **Genus:** Sorbus ## Interesting facts - Despite its name, it’s not a true ash tree; it's actually related to roses and apples! - Indigenous peoples traditionally used the tart berries for food and even made medicines. - Its scientific name, 'decora', means 'ornamental' or 'beautiful', which perfectly describes it. - The berries are packed with Vitamin C, but taste quite sour to humans when eaten raw! ## Special abilities - **Winter Food Cache:** The showy mountain-ash's bright berries persist through winter, providing crucial food for birds when other sources are scarce. - **Cold Resistor:** Showy mountain-ash can survive harsh northern winters thanks to its strong cold hardiness, thriving where others cannot. - **Berry Broadcast:** Showy mountain-ash produces abundant, colorful berries, attracting birds that help disperse its seeds far and wide. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 4-10 m - **Spread:** 3-6 m - **Edible:** Yes - **Size:** 15-30 cm - **Lifespan:** 50-150 years - **Fruit Type:** Pome - **Growth Rate:** Medium - **Leaf Type:** Deciduous ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Feeds on abundant berries, aiding seed dispersal. - **Eaten by:** [Cedar Waxwing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cedar-waxwing) (*Bombycilla cedrorum*) — Often seen feasting on its persistent winter fruits. - **Pollinates:** European Honey Bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Attracted to its white spring flowers for nectar. - **Shelter:** [Deer Mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/deer-mouse) (*Peromyscus maniculatus*) — Finds refuge and potential food sources within its branches. ## Traits - [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons. - [Ornamental](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ornamental): Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form. - [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. - [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense. - [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. - [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. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. ## Collections - [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always stay close to a grown-up when exploring near trees. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify showy mountain-ash? Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is showy mountain-ash? 4-10 m ### How wide does showy mountain-ash spread? 3-6 m ### Is showy mountain-ash edible? Yes ### How big is showy mountain-ash? 15-30 cm ### How long does showy mountain-ash live? 50-150 years ### Where is showy mountain-ash usually found? Forests ### What kind of fruit does showy mountain-ash produce? Pome ## Where to spot - [Ice Age Trail](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/ice-age-trail) — Wisconsin, US · National Park ## More Trees - [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*) - [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*) - [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*) - [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*) --- Source: [Showy Mountain-ash: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/showy-mountain-ash)