Sorbus lancastriensis
Lancastrian mountain ash
A deciduous shrub or small tree to about 6m, endemic to the UKand only found in a small area around Morecambe Bay. The oval leaves are felted white beneath, shiny, mid-green above, with clearly marked veins. Creamy white blossom in spring is followed by bright orange-red berries
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green White | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green White | |||
| Autumn | Green White | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- 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
- England
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil but tolerates poor, thin soil
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, chip budding in summer or grafting in winter. Propagate by seed sown outdoors in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
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.