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
- 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.
