Sorbus decora
| Sorbus decora | |
|---|---|
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| Akureyri Botanical Gardens | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Sorbus |
| Subgenus: | Sorbus |
| Species: | S. decora |
| Binomial name | |
| Sorbus decora C.K.Schneid. | |
Sorbus decora, commonly known as the northern mountain ash,[1] showy mountain-ash or "dogberry" is a deciduous shrub or very small tree native to northeastern North America. It occurs throughout the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Mixedwood forest region, the New England-Acadian forest region, and the eastern Canadian boreal forests.
Showy mountain-ash is very similar to the closely related American mountain-ash. Like the American mountain-ash (Sorbus americana), the showy mountain-ash has pinnately compound leaves and often large clusters of flowers and fruits. However, a useful distinguishing feature of this species is its shiny, sticky buds.[2]
Uses
It is often cultivated as an ornamental plant for its cold-hardiness, its attractive flowers, and its large clusters of small red berry-like pomes.
The fruits are an important source of food for wildlife, particularly birds in the winter and early spring.
References
- ↑ "Sorbus decora". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
- ↑ Farrar, J.L. (1995). Trees in Canada. Markham, Ontario: Fitzhenry and Whitside/Canadian Forest Service.