How much sun does Mountain-ash need?

Mountain-ash grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Mountain-ash bloom?

Mountain-ash blooms in May and June.

Where is Mountain-ash native?

Mountain-ash (Sorbus americana) is native to CT, GA, IL, MA and 16 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Mountain-ash attract?

Mountain-ash draws bees and flies.

Mountain-ash

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Sorbus americana

Last reviewed: October 2026

Mountain-ash (Sorbus americana) is a perennial tree native to CT, GA, IL, MA and 16 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw bees and flies.

Toxicity unknown

Mountain-ash (Sorbus americana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

180"–360" H × 120"–240" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CT, GA, IL, MA and 16 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Acadian Plains and Hills

A small deciduous tree with compound pinnate leaves, flat clusters of small white flowers in late spring, and bright orange-red berries that persist into winter. Develops a neat, rounded canopy at forest edges and in mountain clearings.

Growing Mountain-ash

Grow Mountain-ash in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 180 to 360 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Winter berries are an important cold-season food source for grosbeaks, waxwings, and other birds, and the spring flowers draw bees and flies.

Common questions

How much sun does Mountain-ash need?: Mountain-ash grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Mountain-ash bloom?: Mountain-ash blooms in May and June.
Where is Mountain-ash native?: Mountain-ash (Sorbus americana) is native to CT, GA, IL, MA and 16 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Mountain-ash attract?: Mountain-ash draws bees and flies.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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