Sorbus sambucifolia

(Cham. & Schltdl.) M. Roem.

Siberian Mountainash

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit 623 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Sorbus sambucifolia is a species of rowan native to Korea, northern and central Japan, Russian Far East and Alaska.

Description

A deciduous shrub hardy to UK zone 6. Flowers in May. Hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. Accommodates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acidic to mildly alkaline conditions. Grows in semi-shade to full sun and prefers moist soil. Withstands strong winds but not coastal exposure.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and has a sweet flavour.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Japan, Korea, North America, USA,

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, though with sufficient quantity it can go directly into an outdoor seedbed. Stored seed benefits from 2 weeks of warm stratification followed by 14–16 weeks of cold stratification, so sow as early in the year as possible. Prick seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle. Top-growth is very slow in the first year or two as the plants focus on root development, so keep them in a cold frame through their first winter before planting out into permanent positions in late spring.

Other Uses

None known.

Notes

There are about 75 Sorbus species.

References (3)

Beckstrom-Sternberg, Stephen M., and James A. Duke. "The Foodplant Database." http://probe.nalusda.gov:8300/cgi-bin/browse/foodplantdb.(ACEDB version 4.0 - data version July 1994)
Fam. nat. syn. monogr. 3:139. 1847
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/