Hedlundia hybrida, commonly known as Oakleaf Mountain Ash, is a deciduous tree that is a hybrid between Sorbus aucuparia (European rowan) and Sorbus intermedia (Swedish whitebeam). It is native to the mixed boreal forests and subalpine zones of Scandinavia, including Norway, eastern Sweden, southwestern Finland, and Latvia. The tree typically grows to a height of up to 49 feet (15 meters) and is characterized by a stout trunk and smooth, grey bark that may become slightly fissured with age. The leaves resemble those of the oak, hence the common name, with a pinnate structure and a fresh green color that turns to shades of yellow and red in the fall.

The Oakleaf Mountain Ash is valued for its ornamental features, including clusters of white flowers that bloom in late spring and are moderately showy. By mid-autumn, these flowers give way to bright red pomes that are attractive to birds such as thrushes and waxwings. The tree is often used in urban and suburban landscapes for its compact size and attractive foliage. It prefers well-drained soils, tolerates a range of soil types, and requires full sun to partial shade. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to fireblight and other diseases common to the Rosaceae family. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to hybridize with other Sorbus species, which can lead to unwanted seedlings in the garden.CC BY-SA 4.0