Japanese Mountain-ash - Sorbus commixta
Rosaceae – Rose family. The Japanese Mountain ash is native to the Far eastern Russian Federation, Japan and Korea.
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The Japanese mountain-ash is a medium sized (height 20-30 feet, width 20-30 feet) deciduous tree, with a rounded crown and moderate growth rate. It grows best on moist, well-drained soil, in full sun. Its compound leaves have between 11-15 opposite, serrate leaflets change to a deep purple or red in autumn. White flowers appear in early summer on 4-6" corymb; orange to red fruit appears in autumn. This ornamental tree is hardy in USDA zones 5-7. (1) 

Japanese Mountain-ash Fall Colors
Morton Arboretum acc. 28-94*3, from seed, is 16 years old.

Fruit provides palatable browse for many animals and birds, but is not suitable for human consumption, except, perhaps for various folk remedies; the plant is not toxic. (1)  (5) Recent scientific studies indicate methanol extract of Sorbus commixta cortex prevents vascular inflammation in rats with a high fructose-induced metabolic syndrome. (6)

The Japanese mountain ash and related species (most often the European Mountain ash, Sorbus aucuparia) are sometimes referred to in folklore as "Rowan" trees, but this use has almost disappeared from the modern lexicon. The rowans were thought by the Celts and other primitive peoples of The British Isles to have magical properties.

"Mountain ash, 1804, from rowan-tree, rountree (1548), northern English and Scottish, from a Scandinavian source (cf. O.N. reynir, Swed. Ronn "the rowan"), ultimately from the root of red, in reference to the berries. The rowan "was the tree most often credited with protective magical powers against all effects of witchcraft, not merely in Celtic areas but throughout Britain." -- Oxford Dictionary of English Folklore

American Mountain-ash was used extensively by Native Americans for various purposes (5):
  • Algonquin, Quebec, Drug (Cold Remedy); Infusion of inner bark taken for colds.
  • Algonquin, Tete-de-Boule Drug (Psychological Aid); Buds and inner bark fibers boiled and used for depression.
  • Iroquois Drug (Gastrointestinal Aid); Fruit used to facilitate digestion.
  • Malecite Drug (Analgesic); Infusion of bark used for pain after childbirth.
  • Micmac Drug (Gastrointestinal Aid); Infusion of root taken for colic.
  • Ojibwa Drug (Venereal Aid); Infusion of root bark taken for gonorrhea.
  • Penobscot Drug (Emetic); Plant used as an emetic.
  • Algonquin, Quebec Food (Fruit); Fruit used for food.
  • Ojibwa Fiber (Canoe Material); Wood used to make ribs for canoes, snowshoe frames.

Japanese Mountain-ash Fall Colors
Beautiful red-orange fall colors.

Trees provide cover: Birds and small animals need concealed places for nesting and hiding from predators. The presence of wildlife can make your backyard or woodlot a special place for your family and children. As urban sprawl displaces many birds and animals from their natural habitat, it becomes even more important for home and landowners to provide green space and mini-sanctuaries for birds and other wildlife.

Trees provide food: Having a wide variety of trees that provide seeds, nuts and fruit for wildlife to eat is one way to increase your success in attracting wildlife. although artificial bird feeders can supplement naturally occurring foods, they can attract unwanted pests such as pigeons, Canada geese, squirrels, and even rats. Trees also provide food by attracting insects and providing cover for their activities; mating, egg-laying. Insects form a huge portion of the warm-weather food supply for many species of songbirds. Trees that provide fall and winter foods are especially important in helping wildlife survive the winter, and to provide forage and cover for early-arriving spring migrants that may get caught in late-season bad weather. Whatever the food sources you provide may be, birds and wildlife also need dependable source of water; create a small pool or birdbath in a protected place.


Japanese Mountain-ash, Sorbus commixta

 References:
1. North Carolina State University Consumer Horticulture


2. USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program.
Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN) [Online Database].
National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland.
URL: http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?35013 (26 October 2007)


3. USDA National Agricultural Library
4. Missouri Botanical Garden - w3TROPICOS
5. University of Michigan, Native American Ethnobotany
6. Kang DG, Sohn EJ, Lee AS, Kim JS, Lee DH, Lee HS  Methanol extract of Sorbus commixta cortex
prevents vascular inflammation in rats with a high fructose-induced metabolic syndrome.

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