Also known as American Mountain Ash · Dogberry · Missey-Moosey
American Mountain-Ash (Sorbus americana) is a small deciduous tree native to North America, known for its white flowers and bright red berries that attract wildlife.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. More sun generally leads to better flowering and fruit production.
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil, but tolerates some drought once established. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Loam, Sand, Clay, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Adaptable to a wide range of temperatures, hardy in USDA zones 2-6.
Low
25% intensity
Generally does not require regular fertilization. Fertilize sparingly if growth appears weak.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|
Berries are not considered toxic to humans or pets, but are generally not palatable.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water American Mountain-Ash regularly during its first year to establish a strong root system. Once established, it tolerates moderate drought but thrives with consistent moisture, especially in hot, dry periods.
Aim for moist, well-drained soil, avoiding waterlogged conditions which can lead to root rot.
Prune to shape the tree and remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light pruning can be done in summer to maintain shape.
Avoid heavy pruning, as it can stress the tree.
American Mountain-Ash can be propagated by seeds, which require a period of stratification (cold, moist treatment) to break dormancy. It can also be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer.
Grafting is another method, often used for specific cultivars.
Repotting is generally not necessary for established landscape trees. For container-grown specimens, repot every 2-3 years in early spring as the plant becomes root-bound.
Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of American Mountain-Ash (Sorbus americana)
Where American Mountain-Ash (Sorbus americana) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Sorbus |
| Species | Sorbus americana |
Similar in genus Sorbus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
