Mountain Ash, European mountain ash

Sorbus aucuparia

Physical Characteristics

Sorbus aucuparia is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 7 m (23ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, south and east from Iceland to Spain, Macedonia and the Caucasus.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Oil Edible Uses: Coffee Oil Tea Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 3, 5, 7, 9]. The fruit is very acid and large quantities of the raw fruit can cause stomach upsets[10, 13]. It can be used to make delicious, if slightly acidulous, jams and preserves[7], the fruit can also be dried and used as a flour mixed with cereals[2, 66]. The fruit is about 7.5mm in diameter[200] and is produced in quite large bunches making harvest easy[K]. The leaves and flowers are used as a tea substitute[61, 183]. Young leaves are said to be a famine food but they contain a cyanogenic glycoside so you should be very hungry before even thinking of eating them[179]. A coffee substitute[183]. The report was referring to the fruit, it probably means the roasted seed.

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Antiscorbutic Aperient Astringent Diuretic Hypoglycaemic Laxative Vitamin C The bark is astringent, it is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and as a vaginal injection for leucorrhoea etc. The fruit is antiscorbutic and astringent. It is normally used as a jam or an infusion to treat diarrhoea and haemorrhoids. An infusion can also be used as a gargle for sore throats and as a wash to treat haemorrhoids and excessive vaginal discharge. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which, in reaction with water, produce the extremely toxic prussic acid. In small quantities this acts as a stimulant to the respiratory system but in larger doses can cause respiratory failure and death. It is therefore best to remove the seeds when using the fruit medicinally or as a food. Both the flowers and the fruit are aperient, mildly diuretic, laxative and emmenagogue. An infusion is used in the treatment of painful menstruation, constipation and kidney disorders.

Known Hazards

Large quantities of the raw fruit can cause vomiting, especially if people are not used to the fruit. 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.