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Showy mountain-ash identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
Showy mountain-ash, Sorbus decora, is a native tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Alternate, compound leaves. Compound leaves 5 to 10 inches long, usually with 15 toothed leaflets 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches long. Bark: Smooth gray-brown with many dots, later cracked and scaly. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify showy mountain-ash
| Leaf type | Alternate, compound leaves |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Compound leaves 5 to 10 inches long, usually with 15 toothed leaflets 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches long. |
| Bark | Smooth gray-brown with many dots, later cracked and scaly. |
| Fruit | Orange-red berries 3/8 to 1/2 inch, bigger than American mountain-ash, ripe in late summer. |
| Twigs | Shiny reddish brown twigs with sticky dark purplish red buds. |
| Size and shape | Large shrub or small tree up to about 35 feet. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is showy mountain-ash native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists showy mountain-ash as native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like showy mountain-ash
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| American mountain-ash Sorbus americana | Alternate, compound leaves. Compound leaves 6 to 10 inches long with 11 to 17 narrow, toothed leaflets 2 to 2 1/2 inches long. |
| European mountain-ash Sorbus aucuparia | Alternate, compound leaves. Compound leaves 5 to 8 inches long with small leaflets 1 to 1 1/2 inches long, toothed only on their upper halves. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Questions
How do you identify showy mountain-ash?
Look for alternate, compound leaves. Compound leaves 5 to 10 inches long, usually with 15 toothed leaflets 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches long. Bark: Smooth gray-brown with many dots, later cracked and scaly.
Is showy mountain-ash native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists showy mountain-ash as native to Pennsylvania.
How big does showy mountain-ash get?
Large shrub or small tree up to about 35 feet.
How can you tell showy mountain-ash in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Shiny reddish brown twigs with sticky dark purplish red buds. Bark: Smooth gray-brown with many dots, later cracked and scaly.
What tree looks like showy mountain-ash?
American mountain-ash, European mountain-ash. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Sorbus decora fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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