Sorbus caloneura

RHS Plant Profile
beautifully veined mountain ash

Synonyms

Sorbus aronioides misapplied

Trees

A large shrub or small tree, up to 12m tall in the wild, 4-5m tall in cultivation, with erect stems and wide-spreading branches in a flat-topped, tiered crown. The doubly-toothed simple leaves appear in early spring, or even late winter, and are at first bronze-tinted before becoming green and then turning golden-orange in autumn. Dense clusters, 5-8cm across, of clear white flowers with pink-purple anthers appear in early summer, followed by rounded or pear-shaped brown fruits, about 1cm long, in late summer and early autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamentalnot to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamentalnot to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Sorbus can be deciduous trees or shrubs with simple or pinnate leaves and clusters of small white or pink flowers, followed by white, yellow, pink, red or brown berries; some have fine autumn colour
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
C. China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moisture-retentive, humus-rich, well-drained soil in sun or light dappled shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

No pruning required / Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, pear blister mite, red spider mite and sawfly larvae

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight, apple canker, silver leaf and honey fungus