Botanical Name: Sorbus scopulina
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Common Name: Western Mountain Ash  
Plant photo of: Sorbus scopulina
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

 

Height Range

6-12'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Grey

 

Fruit Color

Orange, Red

 

Fruit Season

Fall

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium, High, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Invasive, Messy

Design Styles

English Cottage, Ranch, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers, Specimen

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Hedge, Screen, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

A Rocky Mountain native, Western Mountain Ash is a deciduous, large shrub or small tree with an erect, upright, multi-stemmed habit, growing about 8 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide. Its flowers are white and appear in late May to June in clusters, and are followed by showy fruit that ripens orange to red September thru November. The leaves are pinnately compunded and have a ferny texture; summer color is a rich green, turning orange to red in the fall. Excellent addition to a shrub border or as an autumn focal point.
Grow in well drained, loamy soil in sun to part shade. Fruit is very attractive to birds. Not really a low water plant, but it will be happy in a shady spot with regular watering during the hottest part of the summer. This is a shrub that would do well on the north or east side of the house, tolerating the seasons of deep shade and the part sun during the summer months. This plant spreads by underground suckers, forming dense thickets. Prune to the ground after flowering, or prune selectively.