Sorbus alnifolia (Korean Mountain Ash)

An ideal specimen tree for small gardens, Sorbus alnifolia (Korean Mountain Ash) is a small, densely-branched, deciduous tree with a long season of interest. It grows quickly and its upright branches form a dense, rounded canopy, which casts dense shade below. The elegant foliage of glossy, ovate, dark green leaves turns gold and orange in the fall, before falling to the ground, revealing the dark or pale gray, finely-striped bark.

An ideal specimen tree for small gardens, Sorbus alnifolia (Korean Mountain Ash) is a small, densely-branched, deciduous tree with a long season of interest. It grows quickly and its upright branches form a dense, rounded canopy, which casts dense shade below. The elegant foliage of glossy, ovate, dark green leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm), turns gold and orange in the fall, before falling to the ground, revealing the dark or pale gray, finely-striped bark. In late spring, a profusion of tiny white flowers held in flat-topped clusters are produced. They are quickly followed by abundant clusters of showy, orange to red fruits in fall. The berries persist well after the leaves are gone, providing a welcoming feast for various types of weary, migrating birds. Attractive in form, elegant in flower, and colorful in fruit and foliage, Sorbus alnifolia stars in almost every season of the year.

  • Grows with a pyramidal shape when young that rounds with age. Can reach 40-50 ft. in height (12-15 m) and 20-25 ft. in spread (6-8 m).
  • This tree is easily grown in full sun or light shade in acidic, moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils. Some drought tolerance.
  • Perfect specimen tree for city gardens or woodland gardens. Perfect for small gardens!
  • No routine pruning is necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots.
  • Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or grafting.
  • Native to China, Japan, Korea

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 7

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Sorbus – Mountain Ash
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 40'
– 50'
(12m
– 15m)
Spread 20'
– 25'
(6m
– 7.5m)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow