November 4, 2009

One of the Most Striking Trees in the Fall Landscape


Sorbus Altinifolia

I have the pleasure of frequently passing this Korean mountain ash in the parkway in our neighborhood and am always impressed by it's four seasons of interest. While it's foliage is beautiful all year , Fall brings out the best in it. The leaves haven't yet turned to yellow-orange because it hasn't been chilly enough yet but the beautiful cherry-red berries are striking.

In late Spring flat clusters of delicate white flowers appear and gradually turn into the beautiful berries. This is a medium to large tree, reaching 40 feet and has a 20 foot spread. While many Sorbus varieties are prone to root rot , pests and disease, the Korean mountain ash is very hardy and disease resistant.

The winter interest is its smooth gray elegant bark. The Moutain Ash provides food for our feathered friends and while the berries are edible, they are much to acidic to be eaten raw.

8 comments:

  1. I love those red berries Carolyn. Thank goodness the Korean mountain ash is resistant to the emerald ash borer.

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  2. And if mountain ashes could read, this one would be glowing even redder with pride.

    Lucy

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  3. I'm not familiar with this tree, but what a beauty! If it is resistant to the emerald ash borer, then I think we might see more of these very soon.

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  4. Really enjoyed the description of this tree. The red berries are wonderful.

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  5. Lovely winter interest. I didn't know it was resistant to the ASB.

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  6. We just planted one of these among many other trees as part of our fall neighborhood planting. I hope I live to see it begin to show its stuff.

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  7. This tree looks extremely close, to something I saw when I went to the Smokey mt. It is absolutely beautiful!

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  8. I remember my Grandma had 2 of these in her backyard and I loved the berries (well smashing them). It brought back memories (I think they got diseased).

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