European: Mountain-ash
Sorbus aucuparia
European: Mountain-ash (Sorbus aucuparia) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 20–40 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun.
medium water20–40 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Sorbus aucuparia
- Variety / cultivar
- European: CARDINAL ROYAL®
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 20–40 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~25 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–6
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Fall color
- Red, orange
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- late spring
- Pollinator value
- high
- Tolerates
- Hellstrips / parking strips
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Insects & DiseasesMain pressure here is Fireblight and Borers, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Fireblight
- Borers (notably borer-prone on the Front Range)
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is European: Mountain-ash good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, European: Mountain-ash is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does European: Mountain-ash get?
- It matures to about 20–40 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide.
- How much room does European: Mountain-ash need?
- Give European: Mountain-ash about 25 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does European: Mountain-ash grow into?
- European: Mountain-ash typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is European: Mountain-ash hardy on the Front Range?
- European: Mountain-ash is hardy in USDA 3–6. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does European: Mountain-ash need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does European: Mountain-ash grow?
- European: Mountain-ash is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does European: Mountain-ash live?
- European: Mountain-ash has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does European: Mountain-ash turn in fall?
- European: Mountain-ash turns red and orange in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is European: Mountain-ash native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is European: Mountain-ash deer-resistant?
- No. European: Mountain-ash is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is European: Mountain-ash prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- European: Mountain-ash can be affected by fireblight and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
