Sorbus americana, American Mountain Ash, American Rowan Tree

Sorbus americana, (Pyrus americana in older works), American Mountain Ash, American Rowan Tree, occurs primarily in the Northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. A bold, attractive small tree, indigenous groups used tea from ripe fruit for scurvy. An infusion of the buds and inner bark was used to treat colds, boils, diarrhea, tonsillitis; also as a “blood purifier,” appetite stimulant; astringent, tonic. Fruits with moderate antioxidant activity. C.S. Rafinesque suggested the inner bark as a substitute for wild cherry bark (Prunus serotina), given its similar fragrance.

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