The Sorbus genus covers about 190 different species of deciduous trees and shrubs, found mainly in northern temperate regions, in woodland, on hills, mountains and on scree. Sorbus species and cultivars are prized for their ornamental qualities. Their leaves are decorative, and may be either simple or pinnate, and often color well in autumn. Their flowers are a second plus point. They grow as terminal corymbs of small, white or rarely pink flowers in spring and early summer. These are followed by round or oval berries that may be white, yellow, orange, red or brown.

There are two types of Sorbus. The first belong to Section Aria and include the whitebeams. They have simple leaves that often have serrated margins and are sometimes lobed. The leaves are ordinarily white or silvery beneath giving them a shimmering look when blown by the breeze. In the autumn, their clusters of brown to red fruits are attractive and their foliage turns vivid colors. S. intermedia (Swedish whitebeam) is a small to medium-sized tree with a dense, rounded head of branches. The deeply lobed, shiny dark green leaves are clothed in white down on the underside. In the spring, compact heads of white flowers are produced; these are followed by bunches of reddish-orange berries. S. vestita (Himalayan whitebeam) is an attractive, medium-sized tree with large green leaves with a silvery-white or buff color beneath. The green fruits are tinged and speckled with brown. S. alnifolia (Korean mountain ash) grows 12-15m (40-50 ft) high. Its crown is cone-shaped when young, eventually becoming rounded. In the spring, it bears white blossoms that are followed by clusters of bright orange to red berries.

The plants of the second type belong to Section Aucuparia and include mountain ashes. Sorbus hupehensis belongs in this section. These plants have pinnate leaves, giving them a fern-like appearance; the foliage turns shades of red and yellow in autumn. In the spring, they produce clusters of cream-colored flowers, which are followed by bunches of attractive berries that are usually brilliant red, but may be white, pink, orange, or yellow. (1)

The showy white flowers appear in early summer, and the abundant orange fruit appear in summer, persisting through winter. 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.(5)

The 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.

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