Is the European mountain ash a good tree for Iowa?
An important consideration when selecting ornamental trees and shrubs for the home landscape is plant hardiness. In the upper Midwest, plant tolerance to extreme cold is usually the most important quality when selecting plant materials. Cold hardiness, however, is not the sole factor which limits the adaptability of plant materials. Though often overlooked, plant tolerance to summer heat and drought are also important. The European mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) prefers cool, moist summers. Fireblight, borers, cankers and sunscald often prematurely kill trees weakened by heat and drought. Because of these difficulties, the European mountain ash is short-lived and not recommended for Iowa. The European mountain ash is chiefly grown for its clusters of orange-red fruit. If colorful ornamental fruit are desired, crabapple varieties with persistent, attractive fruit would be better choices for home gardeners in Iowa. How do you care for cinerarias? Cinerarias, a cool-season greenhouse cro
