Sitka Mountain-Ash
ExplorePlants
Sitka Mountain-Ash
Sorbus sitchensis
The Sitka Mountain-Ash is a beautiful tree with bright orange berries. It grows in cool, moist places and is loved by birds who eat its tasty fruits!
Habitat: Mountain regions
Appearance
The Sitka Mountain-Ash has beautiful clusters of small, five-petaled white flowers in spring, followed by bright orange-red berries that persist into winter. Its distinctive compound leaves are long and narrow, turning vibrant shades of yellow and red in autumn.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusSorbus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its name, the Sitka Mountain-Ash is actually a member of the diverse rose family!
Its tart berries are often used by people to make tasty jams, jellies, and even wine!
Native peoples once used its tough wood to create tools and bows for hunting.
This hardy plant can survive in very cold, high-altitude places where few other trees grow.
Special abilities
Ability
Winter Feast
Sitka Mountain-Ash produces nutrient-rich berries that provide vital food for birds during harsh winter months.
Ability
Steep Anchor
Its strong root system helps it cling to rocky slopes, preventing soil erosion in mountainous terrain.
Ability
Autumn Blaze
Special leaf pigments create brilliant red and orange autumn colors, attracting animals to help spread its seeds.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 100-500 cm
- Spread
- 100-300 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
Turdus migratorius
Feasts on berries and disperses seeds.
eaten by
Cedar Waxwing
Bombycilla cedrorum
Relies on berries for winter survival.
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.
eats
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
Browses on young leaves and twigs.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Fruit Bearing
Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always stay on paths when exploring nature and don't eat any berries without asking an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Sitka Mountain-Ash?
100-500 cm
How wide does Sitka Mountain-Ash spread?
100-300 cm
How big are the flowers on Sitka Mountain-Ash?
0.5-1 cm
When does Sitka Mountain-Ash bloom?
Late spring to early summer
Is Sitka Mountain-Ash edible?
Yes
Is Sitka Mountain-Ash toxic?
Mild
What is Sitka Mountain-Ash's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Sitka Mountain-Ash pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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