Mountain Ash (Sorbus) Species Identification

Expert Assessment

Your tree with opposite branching, corky bark, 9 leaflets, and green berry clusters is a Sorbus (mountain ash) species—likely Sorbus decora (showy mountain ash) or a cultivar thereof. Not a true ash (Fraxinus).

Key Distinctions

• True ash: Opposite branching, compound leaves, but no fleshy berries (seeds in samaras).
• Mountain ash: Similar leaves, but pome fruits (berry-like) in clusters—green turning red/orange.
• Yellow wood, aromatic when burned = Sorbus trait.

Next Step for Exact ID

Contact University of Connecticut Extension Forester:

• Thomas Worthley
• Stewardship Program Forester
• Haddam Cooperative Extension Center
• 1-888-309-6637 | thomas.worthley@uconn.edu

They specialize in Northeastern Sorbus species and cultivars.