European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®)
Sorbus aucuparia
European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) (Sorbus aucuparia) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 20–40 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun.
medium water20–40 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide
Photos
- Photo 1: Eeno11
- Photo 2: "Sorbus aucuparia 'Asplenifolia'" by wallygrom is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 3: "Sorbus aucuparia 7" by visulogik is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 4: "Sorbus aucuparia aka rowan" by Martin Olsson is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 5: "Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)" by Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 6: (c) Hans Kylberg, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–6
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Tolerates
- Hellstrips / parking strips
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 20–40 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~25 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late spring
- Bloom color
- white
- Fall color
- Red, orange
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Insects & DiseasesMain pressure here is Fireblight and Borers, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Fireblight
- Borers (notably borer-prone on the Front Range)
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) get?
- It matures to about 20–40 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide.
- How much room does European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) need?
- Give European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) about 25 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) grow into?
- European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) hardy on the Front Range?
- European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) is hardy in USDA 3–6. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) grow?
- European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) live?
- European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) turn in fall?
- European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) turns red and orange in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) deer-resistant?
- No. European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- European Mountain-ash (CARDINAL ROYAL®) can be affected by fireblight and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
