Mountain Ash

One or more breaking leaf buds are visible (the green leaf tip is visible). This is before the first leaf has unfolded to expose the leaf base. Note the key is seeing the bud open Photo by JAS.

Leaves have not yet reached full size (1-1.5” long). Photo by JAS.

One or more live, unfolded leaves (the entire length has emerged from a bud, so that the leaf stalk or leaf base is visible). In mountain ash, there are 11-17 leaves on one stalk. Photo by JAS.

One or more leaves show yellow or brown due to seasonal changes, drought or other stresses. Photo by JAS.

One or more open or unopened flowers or buds are visible. Mountain flowers emerge out of the same bud as the leaves and typically bloom in June. Photo JAS.

One or more open, fresh flowers are visible with reproductive parts (male stamens or female pistils) visible. In ash, flowers are open when they are open and loose. Photo JAS.

One or more fruits are visible on the plant. In mountain ash, the fruit is berry-like and initially green. Photo JAS.

One or more ripe fruits are visible on the plant. In mountain maple, the fruit is considered ripe when it is soft and has turned orange/red. Photo JAS.