Most of us are familiar with the common Mountain Ash, often called the Rowan tree. But here’s a little secret: there’s a whole world of varieties out there beyond the one you see in the woods! If you’re looking for a stunning ornamental tree to level up your backyard, you’ve got plenty of amazing options to choose from.
The Classic Mountain Ash: A Local Favorite
The common Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia) is a beloved native tree known for its delicate, feathery leaves. It has a lovely, airy canopy that lets plenty of light through. In early summer, it’s covered in clusters of white blossoms, which turn into those iconic, bright orange berries by late summer.
One of the best things about this tree is its fall performance. The leaves turn a brilliant yellow-orange, making it a real showstopper in any landscape. Plus, it’s incredibly low-maintenance and isn’t picky about where it grows—perfect for gardeners who want beauty without the hard labor!
Beyond the Basics: Ornamental and Fruit Varieties
While the standard Mountain Ash has relatively small berries, breeders have developed varieties with much larger fruit, like the “Edulis” (Moravian) Mountain Ash. But the real fun starts with the colors! If you look toward Asian species like *Sorbus koehneana*, you’ll find berries in unexpected shades like snowy white or deep red.
Then there are the “Lombarts Hybrids,” which are a total game-changer for color lovers. Their berries can be:
- Bright yellow
- Soft pale pink
- Vibrant hot pink
- Deep dark red
- Rich carmine red
These hybrids also tend to have a more compact growth habit and smaller leaves than the wild versions. This makes them a fantastic choice for smaller suburban yards where space is at a premium. And don’t worry—the local birds will still love snacking on these colorful berries just as much as the orange ones!
Choosing the Right Rowan for Your Garden
There are about 100 different *Sorbus* species worldwide, with many originating right here in Europe. You might have heard of the Service Tree (*Sorbus domestica*) or the Wild Service Tree (*Sorbus torminalis*). If you want something exotic, the Japanese Rowan is a fan favorite for its incredible mahogany-toned fall foliage, while the Chinese White Rowan offers delicate, pearly-pink berries.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet of some top varieties for your garden:
- American Mountain Ash (Sorbus americana): Features scarlet-red berries and stunning golden-yellow fall leaves.
- Whitebeam (Sorbus aria): Known for orange-red fruit and bright yellow autumn colors.
- Common Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia): The classic choice with coral-red berries and yellow-orange fall foliage.
- Moravian Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia “Edulis”): Large coral-red berries and a mix of yellow, orange, and red in the fall.
- Service Tree (Sorbus domestica): Unique yellowish-brown berries and yellow-orange autumn leaves.
- Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis): Features brownish-orange berries and deep, multi-toned fall colors.
- Pink Pagoda Rowan (Sorbus hupehensis “Rosea”): Gorgeous white-to-pink berries paired with deep red fall foliage.
- Thuringian Pear-Rowan (Sorbus x thuringiaca “Fastigiata”): Deep dark red berries and a classic yellow-orange autumn glow.
- “Joseph Rock” Mountain Ash: A real standout with creamy yellow berries and dramatic orange-to-purple fall leaves.
