mountain ash: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No. Despite the name, it is not a member of the ash genus (Fraxinus). It belongs to the genus Sorbus in the rose family (Rosaceae). The name comes from the similarity of its leaves to those of true ash trees.

The berries of the European rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) are edible but very bitter when raw. They are usually cooked and sweetened to make jellies, jams, or liqueurs. Always ensure correct identification before consuming any wild plant.

Australian settlers often named new plants after familiar ones from home based on superficial similarities. The Australian 'mountain ash' (Eucalyptus regnans) has timber qualities and leaf shape vaguely reminiscent of true ashes, leading to the shared common name.

The core meaning (a Sorbus tree) is the same, but the specific species referred to differs. In the UK, it's almost exclusively Sorbus aucuparia (rowan). In the US, it's more likely to be a native species like Sorbus americana or Sorbus decora. The cultural folklore attached to the tree is also stronger in the UK.

A type of tree (genus Sorbus), particularly the European rowan, known for its bright red berries and pinnate leaves.

Mountain ash is usually general, botanical, literary in register.

Mountain ash: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmaʊn.tɪn ˈæʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmaʊn.tən ˈæʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.