American mountain ash (Sorbus americana)

American mountain ash (Sorbus americana) is a tree that can grow 8m – 15m tall and 3m – 8m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant American mountain ash (Sorbus americana).

This plant has several common names including: American mountain ash or roundwood.

This is a deciduous plant that takes 20-50 years to reach full maturity.

Plant profile

Common name: American mountain ash, roundwood
Scientific name: Sorbus americana
Plant type: Trees
Habit: Spreading / Branched
Height: 8m – 15m
Spread: 3m – 8m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Well drained
Garden type: City & Courtyard Gardens, Informal Garden, Wildlife Gardens
Planting type: Low Maintenance

Seasonal colors

How to plant American mountain ash (Sorbus americana) – Superior National Forest, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Trees are essential plants in gardens, large and small, with their sculptural presence.

In terms of design, they add height, structure and interest all year round with attractive flowers, foliage, fruits and trunks.

In addition, they provide home and a food source for birds and other wildlife.

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How to plant

In this section we will learn how to plant American mountain ash (Sorbus americana), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.

Soil

American mountain ash (Sorbus americana) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in clay, loam or sand.

• Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).

• The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.

• Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.

As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH acid or neutral.

Regarding drainage, Sorbus americana likes to grow in moist but well drained or well drained soils.

Sunlight

American mountain ash (Sorbus americana) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.

Cultivation profiles – Growing American mountain ash (Sorbus americana) – Superior National Forest, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons