In Wisconsin, one tree steals the spotlight every September: the American Mountain Ash. Bees and birds can’t get enough of its bright berries and blossoms.
I’ve spent mornings watching the flurry of activity, and it’s a little magical. Add this tree to your yard and see nature’s visitors flock in for themselves.
1. Vibrant Berry Clusters
Bright red-orange berries hang in generous bunches across the Mountain Ash, creating a feast visible from far away. Wisconsin birds can spot these colorful clusters even during migration flights.
The berries ripen perfectly in September, right when many Wisconsin creatures are stocking up for winter. Each cluster can contain dozens of fruits, providing an abundant food source.
2. Perfect Timing
September marks the sweet spot when Mountain Ash berries reach peak ripeness. Across Wisconsin’s northern counties, this timing coincides perfectly with fall migration patterns of many bird species.
The berries aren’t immediately appetizing when they first appear. They require early frost exposure to soften and ferment slightly, making them irresistible just as food sources become scarce.
3. Nectar-Rich Flowers
Before berries appear, the tree produces clusters of tiny white flowers that bees can’t resist. Wisconsin beekeepers often note increased honey production when Mountain Ash blooms are nearby.
Each blossom contains accessible nectar that’s particularly attractive to native pollinators. The flat flower clusters make perfect landing pads for bees and butterflies navigating Wisconsin’s sometimes breezy September days.
4. Nutritional Powerhouse
Mountain Ash berries pack an impressive nutritional punch with high vitamin C content. Wisconsin’s robins and cedar waxwings particularly benefit from this immune-boosting fruit before winter arrives.
The berries also contain natural sugars that provide quick energy for migrating birds. Many Wisconsin wildlife specialists consider these trees nature’s perfect refueling stations for creatures preparing for the harsh northern winter.
5. Strategic Height Advantage
Growing 15-30 feet tall, Mountain Ash trees provide the perfect mid-canopy feeding zone. Wisconsin’s birds appreciate this middle ground that offers both access to food and protection from predators.
The tree’s structure creates ideal perching spots with clear sightlines. Many Wisconsin birdwatchers position their observation spots near these trees specifically because they attract such diverse species at comfortable viewing heights.
6. Extended Feeding Season
Unlike many fruit-bearing plants, Mountain Ash berries remain viable throughout fall. Wisconsin’s early-migrating birds feast first, while later species find nourishment when other food sources have disappeared.
The berries also overwinter well when preserved by cold temperatures. This creates a reliable food cache that Wisconsin’s year-round resident birds like chickadees and nuthatches return to throughout the winter months.
7. Natural Gathering Point
The abundance of food creates a natural wildlife hub around each Mountain Ash. Wisconsin’s woodland creatures seem to understand these trees mark dependable feeding grounds.
This concentration effect creates fascinating interactions between species. Bird enthusiasts throughout Wisconsin mark September on their calendars specifically for Mountain Ash watching, as it’s one of the few places to observe so many different species in one location.