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 vilmorinii is one of the best small trees for the garden. It has lovely leaves, with many small leaflets, but it is Autumn that it is really wonderful. The fruit start off being red, but then they change to pink. At the same time, or in some years a little later, the leaves change to brilliant red. It is difficult to believe that it is the same tree.