Sorbus americana is a relatively small tree, reaching 12 metres (40 ft) in height.

Native to eastern North America; The berries of American mountain-ash are eaten by numerous species of birds, including ruffed grouse, ptarmigans, sharp-tailed grouse, blue grouse, American robins, other thrushes, waxwings, jays, and small mammals, such as squirrels and rodents.

Up to 80 percent of American mountain-ash stems were browsed by moose in control plots adjacent to exclosures on Isle Royale.

Fishers, martens, snowshoe hares, and ruffed grouse also browse American mountain-ash.

It prefers a rich moist soil and the borders of swamps, but will flourish on rocky hillsides.