Mountain Ash
Sorbus americana | Family: Rosaceae
Submission: Sequoia Anstine and Kahryn Cullenberg
Identification:
Leaves – deciduous, odd-pinnately compound, 13-17 inches long, tapered, and alternately arranged in 11-17 finely toothed, hairless leaflets; leaflets are 2-4 inches long and ⅝-1 inch wide.
Twigs – brown and tinged with red when young, becoming darker in color as they age.
Buds – dark red, ¼-¾ of an inch long, with tomentose inner scales.
Fruit – a bright red, berry-like, globular pome that forms in cymes; approximately ¼ inch in diameter, ripens in October and is persistent.
Bark – light gray with lenticels.
Natural History:
Mountain ash is a moderately sized woody plant native to Maine. Despite its name, it is unrelated to the Oleaceae (Ash) family. Instead, it is part of the Rosaceae (Rose) family and is closely related to the apple genus. Commonly planted as an ornamental, mountain ash can grow 15-20 feet tall at higher elevations, but can reach 30 feet tall in optimal areas within its natural habitat. This tree produces striking red berries in the fall and white flowers in the spring.
Mountain ash is relatively tolerant, which warrants its ability to grow in both shaded and sunny locations spanning across much of the US. It can also be found growing throughout an impressive range in elevation. Here in Maine, mountain ash can be found growing from the understory of higher elevation forests to the coast. However, its preferred conditions—and where it is most frequently spotted—include moist, acidic, cool locations.
would all aid in preventing unwelcomed visits from evil spirits.
Besides its stunning berries and intricate leaves, mountain ash is also said to have spiritual properties. The tree’s odd-pinnately compound leaves resemble a pentagon, a shape believed to represent protection and strength. In 18th century Europe, mountain ash was used to ward off witches and evil spirits. Knowledge was passed down through generations of folklore that planting mountain ash trees outside of homes, making bark into necklaces, and burning sticks
Further research on Sorbus sp. has led to scientific discoveries of valuable bioactive compounds contained within the plant. Such compounds have been found to be advantageous for both medicinal and food industries. Mountain ash contains a high amount of phytochemical antioxidants, which are beneficial to the human body. Phenolic and ascorbic acids in the plant are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, providing several health benefits such as the prevention of tumor growth. The berries, bark, and leaves of Sorbus sp. contain antioxidants that are similar to those found in commercialized berries—such as blueberries or cherries. These same compounds are used as astringents in medicine and their usage can be traced back in folk medicine for centuries. Mountain ash may represent an underused species with unlocked potential to aid in human immunity and health.
References:
American Mountain Ash: The Witchwood Tree. July 20, 2023. Arbor Day Foundation; [July 2020; November 2023]
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Database. 2013. Version 3.1. The University of and Texas, [October 11th, 2022; November 28th, 2023
Maine Forest Service. “Mountain Ash.” Forest Trees of Maine. 14th ed. Augusta, Maine: Maine Forest Service, 2008.
Sarv, V., Venskutonis, P. R., & Bhat, R. (2020). The Sorbus spp.-Underutilised Plants for Foods and Nutraceuticals: Review on Polyphenolic Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Potential. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 9(9), 813.