This genus includes the rowans (mountain ash) and whitebeams, and this present group consists of the rowans, technically known as the Aucuparia section. These are small, graceful trees or shrubs with attractive foliage, which in the rowans is usually pinnate, toothed or lobed and provides good autumn colour. In spring or early summer they produce dense corymbs of frothy white or pinkish flowers, which are followed by fruit varying in colour depending on the species. Many species are apomictic, i.e. self-fertile, and so seedlings are clones of the parent. For this reason there are many species, groups of which can be similar to one another.

Sorbus pseudovilmorinii has highly divided leaves with about 13 pairs of narrow, pointed leaflets, quite deep green, but turning brilliant red in autumn. At that time the fruit, which are borne abundantly, change from deep red to reddish pink. They are not eaten quickly by birds, so typically provide colour until December, when they are greatly appreciated - in our garden particularly by waxwings.