Mountain Ash (Sorbus americana)

Form

Shrub or small tree; height sometimes 20 to 30 feet, diameter 4 to 12 inches; spreading, slender branches form narrow, rounded crown.

Bark

About 1/8 inches thick; smooth, light gray, gradually breaking into small scales.

Leaf

Compound; alternately arranged on branch; length about 6 to 8 inches, composed of 13 to 17 leaflets; each leaflet 3 to 4 inches long and about 1 inch wide at the middle; leaflets have long points with toothed edges, bright green above, turing bright yellow in fall.

Fruit

A pome; bright orange, occurs in dense clusters; diameter about 1/4 inch; has thin layer of sour flesh containing 1 to 2 seeds; matures in fall of first season.

Range

Found scattered in woods of northern Wisconsin; best development occurs along edges of lakes and swamps; does best in moist locations, but survives fairly well in drier areas and on thinner soils.

Wood

Light, soft and weak; pale brown, with light colored sapwood; slow growth gives it very close grain; has no commercial value, except for ornamental purposes.

Notes

Berries remain on tree during the winter and are relished by birds for food.