A large tree near the end of Marsh Road in the Central China Collection is an interesting representative of the Mountain Ash genus (Sorbus). Chinese Mountain Ash is a native of temperate regions in China. It is usually described as a large shrub or small tree that has pinnately compound leaves. Our specimen appears to be unusually large for the species. In the spring, Chinese Mountain Ash bears clusters of white flowers. As the season progresses, the green berries develop into white fruits. Our native American Mountain Ash (Sorbus americana) is found in the mountains of East Tennessee. It is smaller than Chinese Mountain Ash and bears red berries. In Europe, members of this genus are referred to as Rowans.

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