Sorbus decora (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 10m
Eventual Spread: 8m
Hardiness: 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Family: Rosaceae
Sorbus decora is a deciduous small tree or large shrub with a rounded, bushy habit. Its mid green leaves are odd pinnate with up to 17 leaflets and up to 25cm long. Its leaflets are lanceolate with serrate margins, up to 6cm long and 2cm broad. Its leaves turn orange/ red in autumn before they fall. Its smooth bark is grey/ brown with lenticels. Its cream/ white flowers are up to 8mm across and are produced terminal corymbs which are up to 12cm across. Its red fruit is a pome, up to 12mm across and mature in early autumn and may remain on the tree during the winter months.
Sorbus decora Berries (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Sorbus decora, commonly known as the Showy Mountain Ash or Dogberry, is native to north east North America. In its native habitat it grows on rock slopes and mixed woodlands.
The etymological root of the binomial name Sorbus is from the old Latin name for Sorbus domestica (Service Tree). Decora is from the Latin meaning ‘beautiful’.
The landscape architect may find Sorbus decora useful as a small attractive tree with summer flowers, interesting autumn leaf color and autumn to winter berries.
Ecologically, Sorbus decora flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its fruit are attractive to many bird species.
Sorbus decora Bark (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Sorbus decora prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate nutritionally poor soils.
Sorbus decora requires little maintenance. Any pruning should be carried out in late autumn to winter.