Korean Mountain Ash
Sorbus alnifolia

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Oval, Vase.

Sorbus alnifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 15

Where it is found

Slopes of shady mountain forests of stone pine and deciduous trees on stony and humus rich soils. Slopes, gullies, mixed forests and shrubby thickets at elevations of 500 - 2400 metres.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is about the size of a pea, up to 14mm long, and is produced in fairly large bunches making it easy to harvest. The flavour is reasonably mild and somewhat mealy.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Wood - even grained. Used for rulers.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Specimen. Succeeds in most reasonably good soils in an open sunny position. Dislikes dry soils. Tolerates light shade, though it fruits better in a sunny position. Plants are susceptible to fireblight. Special Features:Not North American native, Attractive flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. If you have sufficient seed it can be sown in an outdoor seedbed. Stored seed germinates better if given 2 weeks warm then 14 - 16 weeks cold stratification, so sow it as early in the year as possible. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Seedlings are very slow to put on top-growth for their first year or two, but they are busy building up a good root system. It is best to keep them in pots in a cold frame for their first winter and then plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 4-7

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The seeds probably contain hydrogen cyanide. This is the ingredient that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. Unless the seed is very bitter it should be perfectly safe in reasonable quantities. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Micromeles alnifolia.