Sorbus aucuparia
European mountain ash
(c) Hans Kylberg, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rosaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Not Native
Sorbus aucuparia (European mountain ash) is a non-native California shrub / tree in the Rosaceae family, recognized by non-native waif near dwellings.
European mountain ash is a naturalized tree found in southern Transverse Ranges in disturbed areas near dwellings at elevations below 1,900 meters. Flowering in May, this tree produces white flowers with rounded petals 4 to 5 millimeters long. Growing with dense white hairs on its stems and reaching up to 15 meters tall, it develops distinctive foliage with 11 to 17 leaflets that are lance-oblong and 3 to 6 centimeters long. Its leaves are dull green with white axillary hairs and arranged pinnately along branches. The tree bears orange to red fruits 8 to 12 millimeters long, which provide visual interest and potential food for wildlife.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; non-native waif near dwellings
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed areas near dwellings
Elevation: < 1900 m
California counties: Tulare, San Bernardino, Alameda, Siskiyou, Trinity
Outside California: widespread in northern North America, native to Eurasia
Bloom period
Sorbus aucuparia blooms May.
How to tell it apart
vs Sambucus: Mountain ash has narrow leaflets and pome fruits; elderberry has broader leaflets and true berries.; vs Heteromeles: Mountain ash has pinnate leaves with 9-15 leaflets; toyon has simple toothed leaves.; vs Nandina: Mountain ash has pinnate leaves once-divided; heavenly bamboo has leaves divided 2-3 times.; vs Schinus: Mountain ash has bright red-orange pomes; pepper tree has pink-red drupes and aromatic foliage.; vs Pyracantha: Mountain ash has deciduous pinnate leaves; firethorn has evergreen simple leaves and thorns.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sorbus aucuparia native to California?
No. Sorbus aucuparia is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Sorbus aucuparia bloom?
Sorbus aucuparia blooms May.
Where in California does Sorbus aucuparia grow?
Sorbus aucuparia occurs in Tulare, San Bernardino, Alameda, Siskiyou, Trinity, at elevations of < 1900 m.
What plant family does Sorbus aucuparia belong to?
Sorbus aucuparia is in the Rosaceae family, genus Sorbus.
What habitat does Sorbus aucuparia grow in?
Sorbus aucuparia grows in Disturbed areas near dwellings.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.