Sorbus sitchensis var. sitchensis
Sitka mountain ash
(c) Peter Stevens, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rosaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Native
Sorbus sitchensis var. sitchensis (Sitka mountain ash) is a native California shrub / tree in the Rosaceae family, recognized by lateral leaflets toothed below middle.
Sitka mountain ash is a California native shrub found in the Klamath Ranges in shores, cirques, talus, and conifer forest at elevations of 1,700 to 2,300 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces white flowers in delicate clusters. Growing with an upright form to 3 to 4 meters tall, it develops a spreading branching structure. Its compound leaves have multiple lateral leaflets that are distinctively toothed below the middle, creating a textured green foliage. The shrub forms an elegant addition to high-elevation mountain landscapes, providing both visual interest and ecological value.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; key feature is lateral leaflets toothed below middle
Habitat and range
Habitat: Shores, cirques, talus, conifer forest
Elevation: 1700-2300 m
Outside California: to Alaska, Yukon Territory, Montana
Bloom period
Sorbus sitchensis var. sitchensis blooms May-Jul.
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 sitchensis var. sitchensis native to California?
Yes. Sorbus sitchensis var. sitchensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Sorbus sitchensis var. sitchensis bloom?
Sorbus sitchensis var. sitchensis blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Sorbus sitchensis var. sitchensis belong to?
Sorbus sitchensis var. sitchensis is in the Rosaceae family, genus Sorbus.
What habitat does Sorbus sitchensis var. sitchensis grow in?
Sorbus sitchensis var. sitchensis grows in Shores, cirques, talus, conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Sorbus sp. — Mountain ash
- Sorbus aucuparia — European mountain ash
- Sorbus californica — California mountain ash
- Sorbus scopulina — Rocky mountain or cascade mountain ash
- Sorbus sitchensis — Western mountain ash
- Sorbus sitchensis var. grayi — Dwarf or gray's mountain ash
- Spiraea douglasii — Douglas spiraea
- Spiraea sp.
- Spiraea splendens — Rose meadowsweet
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.