Because they grow shrub-like with thin, multiple stems in deep woods and are so short (to no more than about 12 feet tall), Rowan Trees are not commonly noticed in the mountains of the Four Corners area, but they are noticed along city streets and in front yards where they make a handsome splash of color.  In montane woods, they attract attention when they get their bright berries and fall color. But once one learns the tree's appearance and forest habitat, it suddenly becomes more common.  Isn't this so often the case?

Linnaeus named this genus in 1753.  "Sorbus" is an ancient Latin fruit name and "scopulina" means "of rocky places".  The fruit of the European species of this tree were commonly eaten and the tree itself was (and still is in many places) planted at homes for good luck. Although an American common name for the tree is "Mountain Ash", this tree is not in the Ash (Fraxinus) genus.

Edward Greene named this species in 1900 from specimens collected in the "mountains of northern New Mexico" by Amos Heller in 1897. However, Meriwether Lewis collected this species September 2, 1805 in Idaho along the North Fork of the Salmon River. Here is what Lewis wrote on the collection sheet, "found the [2th?] day of Septr. 1805. a small growth only rising to the hight of 15. feet moist situations it seems to prefer. it is a handsome growth."

Click to read why Lewis' collection is not considered the type.

Read about the Rowan Tree of the British Isles (Sorbus aucuparia), read more, and read about the tree's mythology.

Sorbus scopulina (Mountain Ash, Rowan Tree)
Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Sorbus scopulina (Mountain Ash, Rowan Tree)
Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Sorbus scopulina (Mountain Ash, Rowan Tree)
Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Montane. Woodlands. Summer.
Trail along Bridal Veil Creek above Telluride, July 23, 2009.

Multi-stemmed Sorbus scopulina surround a young Aspen trunk with their subtle fall colors.

Range map © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Eradicated
Questionable presence

Range map for Sorbus scopulina