Sorbus alnifolia
Korean mountain ash
A large, deciduous tree up to 20m tall. Its upright branches form a neat, rounded canopy whilst its bark is unusual, being dark or pale grey, finely-striped in buff. Leaves are dark green, ovate, up to 9 x 6cm, on red leaf-stalks, and turning yellow in autumn. A proliferation of white flowers, 1cm wide, are produced in spring. Clusters of berries in autumn turn from orange to red and are held on the tree well after leaf fall
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow | Orange Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Sorbus can be deciduous trees or shrubs with simple or pinnate leaves and clusters of small white or pink flowers, followed by white, yellow, pink, red or brown berries; some have fine autumn colour
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately-fertile, humus-rich soil. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution; ideal specimen tree in small garden, wild or woodland garden
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, pear blister mite, red spider mite and sawfly larvae
Diseases
May be susceptible to fireblight, apple canker, silver leaf and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.