Sorbus glabriuscula
glabrous mountain ash
A small tree with upright branches. The large, blue-green leaves have 11 to 17 leaflets and turn brilliant red in autumn. Clusters of white flowers in late spring are followed by bunches of white berries, sometimes tinged pink, from late summer into winter
Synonyms
Sorbus aff. glabrescensSorbus hupehensis misapplied white-berried
see moreSorbus glabrescens misapplied
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Blue Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Green | White | ||
| Autumn | Red | White | ||
| Winter | White |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental, not 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
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers moist but well-drained acid or neutral soil in full sun or light, dappled shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, taking semi-ripe cuttings in early summer, budding in summer or grafting in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.