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How to identify — Mountain-ash is not a true ash but is part of the rose family. It is a small tree (rarely exceeding 30 feet in height) that is easily recognized by its long compound leaves with numerous smaller leaflets, its large sticky dark red winter buds, and its clusters of reddish orange berries in the fall and early winter. Habitat/Distribution — Mountain-ash is found primarily in softwood-dominated forests on dry rocky slopes and ridges. It occurs from the upper Midwest region to the Canadian Maritimes and the northeastern United States and south in the Appalachians to the Great Smoky Mountains. In the northeast it is found primarily in the upper-elevation spruce-fir zone to the limits of tree growth. Ecology — This species has no timber value but is widely planted as an ornamental because of its showy white flowers and red berries. Berries are eaten by many birds and mammals, including ruffed grouse, fisher and marten. Deer and moose browse on twigs. Environmental Change Issues — Because of its association with higher elevation spruce-fir forests in our region, mountain-ash could be at risk from climate change. Under a warmer climate forest zones would likely move upward in elevation, potentially eliminating the species from some areas. The effect of climate change on its range-wide distribution is not clear. |
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