Sorbus americana

American Mountain-ash (Sorbus americana) is a small, highly ornamental native tree, with a lovely shape, and wonderful orange/coral red berries that attract birds. The berries ripen in late summer and are a great cold-season food for birds as they hang on the tree long into the winter. They are edible to humans but should not be eaten fresh as they are very bitter, rich in tanin and not very tasty. American Mountain-ash berries can be used to make syrup, apple-mountain ash jam and honey wine.

Pinnately-compound leaves with toothed edges occur on bright-red leaf stalks, and turn golden-orange, red, and purple in fall. The crown is narrow, open, and round. This tree usually grows 15-20 feet tall, but will reach 30 feet in favorable conditions.

Dogberry Tree is covered in flat-topped clusters of small, snowy white flowers bloom May to June; and are followed by broad clusters of the bright, coral-red berries. Paired with pretty green to orange and purple leaves, the flowers and berries make this tree a very popular landscaping choice. Branches of berries make a beautiful addition to late fall and winter arrangements and wreaths.

Tolerates a wide variety of less than stellar soil, but growth will be stunted in the worst soils. Likes the sun, but will tolerate some shade. Young stems and thin bark need protection from winter browsers, such as deer and rabbits. Of special value to native bees.