Northern Mountain Ash

Sorbus decora

Also known as: Greenland Mountain Ash

Native to:
Canada, Greenland, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Sorbus
Species:
Sorbus decora
USDA Symbol:
SODE3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
900 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade,Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
may,jun
Bloom Colors:
white
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Fall Color:
red, orange, purple
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown following fire; common in boreal and northern hardwood forests with natural fire regimes.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers cool, moist environments

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification; double dormancy may occur in some seed lots requiring warm then cold treatment.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.

Source: Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. * 20°C x 2 weeks then 4°C x 16 weeks

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society