Mt. Rainier

Mt. Rainier Flora -- Sorbus sitchensis -- (Western Mountain-ash)

presented by Susan McDougall


Sorbus sitchensis

The leaflets of this variety (grayi) are toothed above the midpoint, and there are typically nine. The flowers have five sepals and five petals.

Author: Susan McDougall
Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
GPS: 46.7913, -121.7246, 5412
Date: August 2, 2013
Sorbus sitchensis

Variety sitchensis is rare at the Park. The leaflets are toothed below the midpoint, and they tend to be more widely separated on the midrib of the leaf.

Author: Susan McDougall
Laughingwater Creek, Mount Rainier National Park
GPS: 46.7485, -121.5583, 2069
Date: August 28, 2014
Sorbus sitchensis

Grayi is the most common of the two varieties of Western Mountain-ash at the Park. It grows above 4,500 feet in thickets and open, moist habitats. A large group can be seen near the Sunrise parking lot, and is most noticeable when the fruits are ripe, as in the photo.

Author: Susan McDougall
Sunrise, Mount Rainier National Park
GPS: 46.7913, -121.7246, 5412
Date: September 2, 2013
Sorbus sitchensis

This variety (grayi) grows at Paradise as well as Sunrise. Here it is seen alongside the road to Paradise Valley.

Author: Susan McDougall
Paradise Valley, Mount Rainier National Park
GPS:
Date: September 26, 2012
Sorbus sitchensis

This photo of variety sitchensis shows the toothed leaflets which tend to be more widely separated on the midrib of the leaf. This variety can be seen along the Silver Falls trail near Ohanapecosh.

Author: Susan McDougall
Laughingwater Creek, Mount Rainier National Park
GPS: 46.7483, -121.5583, 2048
Date: September 8, 2016

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All images are the property of Susan McDougall.
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