Sorbus sitchensis
Sitka Mountain Ash
a perennial woody deciduous member of the Sorbus genus in the family Rosaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
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 pies, preserves etc[11][2][4][5]. Of poor quality[9]. The fruit turns sweeter and so tastes best after a frost[1]. The fruit is produced in clusters, each fruit being about 6 - 12mm in diameter[8].
- 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.
An infusion of the branches has been given to young children with bed-wetting problems[10]. An infusion of the root and branch bark has been drunk in the treatment of stomach problems and rheumatism[10]. The infusion can also be used externally as a bath for treating rheumatism[10]. A decoction of the root and branch bark has been used as an eyewash[10]. The bark has been chewed in the treatment of colds[10]. An infusion of the branches has been used in the treatment of weak kidneys in order to stop the frequent urination[10].
- Product or use
- Antirheumatic
- Product or use
- Enuresis
- Product or use
- Kidney
- Product or use
- Stomachic
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[8], and so could be used in re-afforestation as a pioneer plant to provide suitable conditions for other woodland trees to be established[K]. It is rather slow-growing, however, and would only be used in situations where faster species were not so suitable[K]. The berries have been rubbed onto the scalp in order to get rid of lice[10]. Wood - moderately light with little strength, it is of no commercial value[8].
- Product or use
- Parasiticide
- Product or use
- Wood
Environment
- Range
- Western N. America - Alaska to California, east to Idaho and Montana.
- Habitat
- Found mainly on rich moist soils along the borders of streams, or rocky hillsides, usually in association with conifers[8].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 5+
- 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[12][13]. If you have sufficient seed it can be sown in an outdoor seedbed[12][13]. Stored seed germinates better if given 2 weeks warm then 14 - 16 weeks cold stratification[14], 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[3], 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[3]. Dislikes dry soils[6]. Tolerates light shade[6], though it fruits better in a sunny position[K]. This species is able to succeed in poor soils and to become established on exposed broken ground[8], it is thus suitable for use as a pioneer species in re-establishing woodland[K]. A slow-growing shrub in the wild, it can sometimes become a small tree up to 9 metres tall[8]. It usually produces abundant crops of fruit every year[8]. Plants are susceptible to fireblight[6].
References
Turner. N. J. and Szczawinski. A. Edible Wild Fruits and Nuts of Canada. National Museum of Natural Sciences 1978-00-00
Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Yanovsky. E. Food Plants of the N. American Indians. Publication no. 237. U.S. Depf of Agriculture.
Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Elias. T. The Complete Trees of N. America. Field Guide and Natural History. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. 1980-00-00 ISBN 0442238622
Turner. N. J. Food Plants of Coastal First Peoples UBC Press. Vancouver. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7748-0533-1
Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9
Elias. T. and Dykeman. P. A Field Guide to N. American Edible Wild Plants. Van Nostrand Reinhold 1982-00-00 ISBN 0442222009
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00
McMillan-Browse. P. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-901361-21-6
Gordon. A. G. and Rowe. D. C. f. Seed Manual for Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.