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 are often small, multi-trunked trees that only attract attention when they get their bright berries and fall color.  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".  Edward Greene named this species in 1900.

Sorbus scopulina (Rowan Tree, Mountain Ash)
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