Practical
Plants

Sorbus decora

Showy Mountain Ash

a perennial woody deciduous member of the Sorbus genus in the family Rosaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Family
Rosaceae
Genus
Sorbus
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
deciduous
Woodiness
woody
Height
10 m
Spread
8 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The seeds probably contain hydrogen cyanide. This is the ingredient that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. Unless the seed is very bitter it should be perfectly safe in reasonable quantities. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Fruit - raw or cooked in preserves etc[3]. The taste is best after a frost[1]. The fruits are about 7 - 10mm across and are borne in dense clusters[5].

Plant part
Fruit

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A decoction of the inner bark, taken from the stem base, has been used as a wash and poultice in the treatment of rheumatism[7]. The decoction can also be taken internally in the treatment of a backache[7]. A decoction of the peeled stems has been drunk in the treatment of backaches[7].

Product or use
Analgesic
Product or use
Antirheumatic

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

This species is capable of growing in exposed conditions in poor soils[6], and so could be used in re-afforestation as a pioneer plant to provide suitable conditions for other woodland trees to be established[K]. Wood - close-grained, soft, moderately light with little strength, it is of no commercial value[6].

Product or use
Wood

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Canopy, Secondary canopy

Pioneer

Environment

Range
North-eastern N. America - Labrador and Newfoundland to Quebec, south to Iowa and Maine.
Habitat
Woods, rocky slopes and shores[8]. Found in various soils and conditions[6].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 2+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
high wind
Wind
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[9][10]. If you have sufficient seed it can be sown in an outdoor seedbed[9][10]. Stored seed germinates better if given 2 weeks warm then 14 - 16 weeks cold stratification[11], so sow it as early in the year as possible. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Seedlings are very slow to put on top-growth for their first year or two[2], but they are busy building up a good root system. It is best to keep them in pots in a cold frame for their first winter and then plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Succeeds in most reasonably good soils in an open sunny position[2]. Dislikes dry soils[4]. Tolerates light shade[4], though it fruits better in a sunny position[K]. This species is able to grow in poor soils and to become established on exposed broken ground[6]. Plants are susceptible to fireblight[4]. Closely related to S. americana[2].

References

  1. Turner. N. J. and Szczawinski. A. Edible Wild Fruits and Nuts of Canada. National Museum of Natural Sciences 1978-00-00

    ↩

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

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  4. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

    ↩1↩2↩3

  5. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩

  6. Elias. T. The Complete Trees of N. America. Field Guide and Natural History. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. 1980-00-00 ISBN 0442238622

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  7. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  8. Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. 1950-00-00

    ↩

  9. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  10. McMillan-Browse. P. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-901361-21-6

    ↩1↩2

  11. Gordon. A. G. and Rowe. D. C. f. Seed Manual for Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.

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