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Sorbus alnifolia - (Siebold.&Zucc.)K.Koch.

Common Name Korean Mountain Ash
Family Rosaceae
USDA hardiness 4-7
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.
Habitats Slopes of shady mountain forests of stone pine and deciduous trees on stony and humus rich soils[74]. Slopes, gullies, mixed forests and shrubby thickets at elevations of 500 - 2400 metres[266].
Range E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Sorbus alnifolia Korean Mountain Ash


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Sten
Sorbus alnifolia Korean Mountain Ash
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Sten

 

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Summary

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Oval, Vase.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
Sorbus alnifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in May, 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 and prefers well-drained 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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Micromeles alnifolia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked[74, 105]. The fruit is about the size of a pea, up to 14mm long[266], and is produced in fairly large bunches making it easy to harvest[200]. The flavour is reasonably mild and somewhat mealy[K].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Wood

Wood - even grained. Used for rulers[74].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Specimen. Succeeds in most reasonably good soils in an open sunny position[11]. Dislikes dry soils[188]. Tolerates light shade[188], though it fruits better in a sunny position[K]. Plants are susceptible to fireblight[188]. Special Features:Not North American native, Attractive flowers or blooms.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[78, 80]. If you have sufficient seed it can be sown in an outdoor seedbed[78, 80]. Stored seed germinates better if given 2 weeks warm then 14 - 16 weeks cold stratification[98], so sow it as early in the year as possible. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Seedlings are very slow to put on top-growth for their first year or two[11], but they are busy building up a good root system. It is best to keep them in pots in a cold frame for their first winter and then plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

(Siebold.&Zucc.)K.Koch.

Botanical References

11200266

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Jacob Adler   Tue Dec 14 22:52:45 2004

Fruits from different trees differ quite a bit. I used to eat fruit from one particular tree in the Arnold Arboretum, which was very tasty. It was quite tart, but in a pleasant way, reminiscent of "sweet-tart" candy. Another tree in the Arboretum had fruit that was all but inedible.

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Subject : Sorbus alnifolia  
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