European Mountainash is a small to medium sized, deciduous tree that grows about 20 to 40 feet tall and about half as wide. It has an upright, oval form and is frequently sold as a multi-stemmed tree. Leaves are pinnately compounded, dark green above and frosty green below, with serrated margins. Autumn color is yellow to orange, sometimes with a hint of red. May flowers are rounded clusters of creamy white, and are followed by small but showy fruit that ripens to yellow, orange, or red fruit, depending on the variety, in August and September. Fruit is not edible for us but is enjoyed by birds. Bark is a light grayish brown.
Grow in well drained, loamy soils in full sun. Avoid soils that are high pH, very dry, or compacted. Not well suited for hot, dry locations, so avoid planting it where it will be surrounded by concrete or asphalt.