American Mountain Ash

Sorbus americana

Physical Characteristics

Sorbus americana is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 7 m (23ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to N. Carolina, west to Illinois and Manitoba.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary; Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[62, 101]. Rich in iron and vitamin C[213, 226]. The fruit is used mainly in making pies, preserves etc, but it can also be eaten raw after a frost because it turns sweeter then[101, 183]. The fruit has a high tannin content and so should only be used in moderation if eaten raw[226]. It can also be dried and ground into a meal[226]. The fruit is produced in dense clusters and is up to 8mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

Antiscorbutic Antiseptic Appetizer Astringent Blood purifier Digestive Diuretic Laxative Miscellany Vitamin C The inner bark has astringent and antiseptic properties[213]. It is also used as a blood purifier and appetite stimulant[257]. An infusion is used (sometimes with the terminal buds added) in the treatment of colds, debility, diarrhoea etc[222, 257]. When mixed with sweet flag (Acorus calamus) it is used as a tonic[257]. A poultice of the burnt bark has been used in the treatment of boils[257]. The fruit is antiscorbutic, diuretic, mildly laxative, astringent and digestive[226, 257]. It is an ideal accompaniment for foods that are hard to digest[226]. A tea from the berries is antiscorbutic and astringent[213, 222]. It has been used as a rectal wash for piles[213]. It is also used in homeopathic remedies[46, 82].

Known Hazards

The seeds probably contain hydrogen cyanide. This is the ingredient that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. Unless the seed is very bitter it should be perfectly safe in reasonable quantities. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.