Plant Type

Tree

 

Height Range

12-25', 25-40'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Grey

 

Fruit Color

Orange, Red, Yellow

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Full

 

Water

High, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Messy

Design Styles

Formal

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio

 

Special Uses

Screen, Shade Tree, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

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.