Sorbus scalaris

The Sorbus scalaris, also known as the Alternate-leaved Rowan, is a beautiful botanical species native to the mountains of southwest China. Still relatively unknown to gardeners, this modestly-sized tree offers an elegant silhouette, generous white flowering in spring, decorative fruiting, and gorgeous autumn colours. Elegant and ornamental for eight months of the year, and beautifully coloured at the end of the season, this small rowan tree is ideal for small gardens or in large landscaped areas.

The Sorbus scalaris belongs to the Rosaceae family. This small tree grows in forests in the west of Sichuan and Yunnan, at altitudes between 1600 and 3000 m (5249 and 9842ft), and is perfectly hardy. Its habit is spreading, with a fairly short vertical trunk topped by an open, flared crown. With a moderately fast growth rate, it will reach approximately 4 m (13ft) in height and 3 m (10ft) in width at maturity. The deciduous foliage appears in spring and falls in autumn. It is composed of long pinnate leaves arranged alternately. Each leaf is composed of numerous narrow, slightly leathery leaflets, shiny on the upper surface. The summer foliage is dark green. In autumn, it takes on magnificent rust colour, then red, and finally purple hues. From May to June, a multitude of small white honey-scented flowers appear in dense, wide clusters. In September, they give way to beautiful clusters of bright orange fruits that turn red when mature, remaining decorative until winter. These 1 cm (1in) diameter berries are a delight for birds, especially thrushes, who love them.

This charming alternate-leaved rowan, with its moderate growth, is well suited to small gardens as well as larger spaces. Its ornamental qualities make it a perfect choice near the house, either as a standalone specimen or in a mass planting. However, beware of its fruits, as they may stain the patio! It can also be used in the background of flower beds, alone or mixed with other species with autumn foliage, such as Prunus, hazels, caramel trees, parrotias, or maples. Tall grasses like Miscanthus, a Rhamnus frangula Asplenifolia, and a few orange Helianthus or chrysanthemums look fantastic until late in the season. Rowan trees have shallow roots, and it is not uncommon to see a mature tree toppled by a storm. Therefore, avoid placing it too close to buildings and in exposed locations.