Arizona Mountain Ash

Sorbus scopulina

Native to:
Canada, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Sorbus
Species:
Sorbus scopulina
USDA Symbol:
SODU2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
400 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
white, cream
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Keystone Species Ranking

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

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals, bears
Fall Color:
red, orange, yellow
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown following fire; often increases in density after moderate-severity burns in montane forests.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 90–180 days
Germination Time:
30–365 days
Notes:
Double dormancy often required; warm stratification followed by cold stratification. Germination can be slow and erratic.

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: Place on damp paper towel in plastic bag for 6 weeks in fridge - should germinate in cold

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society