Sorbus aucuparia 'Aspleniifolia' – Fern-Leaved Rowan Trees for Sale
Sorbus aucuparia 'Aspleniifolia', also known as the Fern-Leaved Rowan or Cut-Leaved Mountain Ash, is a distinctive ornamental tree with beautiful fern-like foliage, creamy-white spring flowers, bright red berries and fiery autumn colour. It has all the seasonal appeal of the traditional rowan, but with much more intricately cut leaves that give it an unusually delicate and elegant appearance.[1,2]
Also searched for as Sorbus asplenifolia, this deciduous tree develops an attractive, relatively open, oval crown. Its unusual foliage makes it an excellent specimen tree, while its flowers and berries provide food for pollinators and wild birds. Fully hardy in the UK and requiring little pruning, it is an excellent choice for a garden tree statement.
Why Choose Sorbus Aspleniifolia? – Key Benefits
- Distinctive fern-like foliage: Exceptionally deeply cut leaflets give this rowan an elegant, finely textured appearance.
- Brilliant autumn colour: Green summer foliage changes to attractive shades of yellow, orange and fiery red.
- Beautiful spring flowers: Clusters of creamy-white blossom appear around May.
- Bright red autumn berries: Attractive bunches of fruit add seasonal colour and provide food for birds.
- Wildlife friendly: The flowers attract pollinators, while birds enjoy the autumn berries.
- Excellent ornamental specimen: An attractive focal point for lawns, borders and informal gardens.
- Fully hardy: RHS H6, tolerating temperatures of approximately -20°C to -15°C.
- Low maintenance: Develops an attractive natural crown without regular pruning.
Ideal for: Ornamental specimen planting, wildlife gardens, cottage gardens, lawns, larger borders, urban landscaping and gardens where unusual foliage and attractive autumn colour are important.
Fern-Leaved Rowan vs Common Rowan – What's the Difference?
The most distinctive feature of Sorbus aucuparia 'Aspleniifolia' is its unusual foliage. Like the ordinary Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), it has compound leaves made up of multiple leaflets. However, the leaflets of 'Aspleniifolia' are much more deeply cut, with teeth that can themselves be toothed, creating an intricate, almost fern-like appearance.[2]
By comparison, ordinary rowan has broader-looking leaflets with relatively simple serrated edges. Both trees have attractive foliage, but 'Aspleniifolia' has a noticeably finer, more decorative appearance.
Another identifying characteristic is the underside of the leaflets, which is more noticeably covered in fine, downy hairs than the ordinary form.[2]
Sorbus Aspleniifolia Leaves, Spring Flowers and Autumn Berries
The finely divided foliage emerges in spring and develops into an attractive dark green canopy during summer. In autumn, the leaves can turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red, making this one of the most colourful periods in the tree's annual cycle.[1]
Clusters of small creamy-white flowers appear around May, attracting visiting pollinators. These are followed by bunches of orange-red to bright red berries which ripen during late summer and autumn.
The berries provide an attractive display and are a valuable food source for wild birds. They can remain on the branches well into autumn, although birds may strip them much sooner. The combination of autumn foliage and red berries makes the Fern-Leaved Rowan particularly attractive towards the end of the growing season.[1]
Sorbus Aucuparia 'Aspleniifolia' Mature Height, Spread and Growth Rate
Sorbus Aspleniifolia gradually develops an oval, relatively open crown. Mature trees in favourable conditions can reach around 12 x 8m .[1]
Where to Plant Sorbus Aspleniifolia – Soil, Sun and Hardiness
The Fern-Leaved Rowan grows best in full sun or partial shade and prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained. It can grow in clay, loam and sandy soils, with acidic to neutral conditions preferred.[1]
Suitable for coastal gardens, exposed positions and urban planting. The tree is also tolerant of atmospheric pollution.[1]
With an RHS H6 hardiness rating, it can withstand severe British winters and is suitable for growing throughout the UK. Avoid permanently waterlogged ground, particularly while the tree is establishing.
Avoid planting when the ground is frozen or waterlogged.
If you are considering other varieties, explore our full selection of rowan trees for sale, including varieties with different growth habits, foliage and berry colours.
Sorbus Aspleniifolia Pruning, Maintenance and Common Problems
The Fern-Leaved Rowan generally requires very little pruning. It naturally develops an attractive crown and is best allowed to retain its normal shape. Regular pruning is unnecessary.[1,4]
Remove dead, damaged, diseased, congested or crossing branches when necessary. Routine light pruning is best carried out in late winter or early spring. Avoid heavy pruning unless essential, as it can spoil the natural shape of the tree.[4]
Like other rowans, it may occasionally be affected by aphids, scale insects, pear blister mite and sawfly larvae. Potential diseases include fireblight, apple canker, silver leaf and honey fungus.[1]
Berries and pets: Although wild birds eat the berries, the RHS advises treating them as ornamental and not for consumption by people or pets.[1]
Sorbus Aspleniifolia – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sorbus asplenifolia the same as Sorbus aspleniifolia?
Yes. Both spellings are commonly used for the Fern-Leaved Rowan. The accepted RHS name is Sorbus aucuparia 'Aspleniifolia', with Sorbus aucuparia 'Laciniata' also recorded as a synonym.[1,2]
How quickly does Sorbus Aspleniifolia grow?
Its growth depends on soil conditions, moisture and exposure. The RHS estimates that it takes approximately 20-50 years to reach maturity.[1]
Is Fern-Leaved Rowan suitable for a small garden?
Yes, provided enough space is available. It may eventually develop a crown 4-8m wide, so it is better suited to gardens where it can reach its natural size without frequent reductions.
Does Fern-Leaved Rowan have red berries?
Yes. Clusters of creamy-white flowers in spring are followed by orange-red to bright red berries during late summer and autumn. These are attractive to wild birds.
Is Sorbus Aspleniifolia evergreen?
No. It is deciduous, losing its leaves in autumn after its colourful seasonal display.
Can Fern-Leaved Rowan grow in clay soil?
Yes. Clay is one of the soil types listed by the RHS, provided the ground has suitable drainage and does not remain permanently waterlogged.[1]
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See What Our Customers Are Saying About Our Sorbus Aucuparia asplenifolia
The trees *Sorbus Aaucuparia 'Asplenifolia came this morning - no problems. Thank you for continuing to work in these scary times. You are much appreciated. Tree Fairy xxx 0620-26281
Hi Alan, New Rowan tree *(Asplenifolia Mountain Ash) and Red Corkscrew Hazel both arrived in good time, they have both been planted now and the customer was pleased.Many thanks for your help. Kind regards Sue 0221 180-240cm option.
(Sorbus Asplenifolia) Trees arrived today – look really good, many thanks. Looing forward to the fig arriving as well?!! Regards Sian Wigram 0220
The tree has now arrived at its destination and my brother is very pleased with it. Thank you. Regards Tom Adams 0520
All trees now arrived and safely in the soil Thankyou !I am going to order two more different types so hopefully they too will be grown soon. Best wishes Shirley 0818
My order of a Rowan (Asplenifolia Mountain Ash) arrived today safely, thanks very much!, Tony 0116
My two trees arrived this morning very well packaged & protected. I am very impressed & will definitely order more from yourselves soon. WOW so healthy & green too!Thank you! Sue Fry. 0514
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