Sorbus decora

Showy mountain-ash grows 4–10 metres (13–33 ft) tall. Its leaves are odd-pinnately compound, with 11–17 leaflets. Each leaflet is 5–10 cm (2–4 in) long and 1–2.5 cm (³⁄₈–1 in) wide. All parts are hairless to slightly hairy. Flowers are borne in 125- to more than 400-flowered panicles 6–25 cm (2 ¹⁄₄–9 ³⁄₄ in) across. Each flower is 5–7.5 mm (¹⁄₄–¹⁄₄ in) across and has five white petals 2.5–3.5 mm (³⁄₃₂–¹⁄₈ in) long, 14–20 stamens, and carpels with 3–4 styles. The fruits (pomes) are bright red to orange-red and 4–7 mm (⁵⁄₃₂–⁹⁄₃₂ in) across.[3]

Showy mountain-ash is very similar to the closely related American mountain-ash (Sorbus americana). Like the American mountain-ash, the showy mountain-ash has odd-pinnately compound leaves and often large clusters of flowers and fruits. Showy mountain-ash can be distinguished by its shiny, sticky buds,[4] and its slightly larger flowers and fruit.[2] It is said to bloom a week earlier.[3]

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.

• Sorbus decora Information
• Sorbus decora Info
• Interactive Distribution Map for Sorbus decora