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Summary
Sorbus aria (L.) Crantz is a synonym of Aria edulis. Whitebeam (S. aria) thrives in most well-drained soils and prefers an open sunny position but can tolerate light shade. It grows well in acid sands, chalky soils, and heavy clays. The tree is highly tolerant of atmospheric pollution and exposed coastal areas, making it suitable for urban and maritime environments. It is a pioneer species, particularly in chalk scrub, and can survive as woodland develops. Whitebeam trees cast dense shade when mature and regenerate well after cutting, making them suitable for coppicing. There are several ornamental varieties of this tree.
Native to Southern and Central Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Mediterranean, including Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, and Tunisia.
Sorbus species, known as rowan or service trees, provide both edible fruit and ornamental value, making them good choices for food forests. Several Sorbus species, such as S. domestica, S. torminalis, and S. aria, are more adaptable to the warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters of Mediterranean climates. S. aucuparia may also be grown in cooler or higher elevation areas within Mediterranean climates, though it prefers less heat.
Physical Characteristics
Sorbus aria is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Aria edulis. Aria nivea. Crataegus aria. Pyrus aria.
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Canopy;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:
Fruit - raw or cooked and used in preserves etc. The fruit is usually bletted if it is going to be eaten raw[2, 3, 5, 105, 115, 183]. This involves storing the fruit in a cool dry place until it is almost but not quite going rotten. At this stage the fruit has a delicious taste, somewhat like a luscious tropical fruit[K]. Fruit from some trees has a pleasant mild flavour and a mealy texture, we like eating small quantities of it. The fruit can also be dried and ground into a powder and mixed with cereals such as wheat[2, 46, 66]. The fruit is about 10 - 12mm across[200].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Diuretic Emmenagogue Laxative
Both the flowers and the fruit are mildly diuretic, laxative and emmenagogue[9]. An infusion is used in the treatment of painful menstruation, constipation and kidney disorders[9].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Pioneer Shelterbelt Wood
Agroforestry uses: Sorbus species can be used as shade trees and are beneficial for wildlife, providing food and habitat. The fruits are edible for birds and can be used in jams and jellies. They can also contribute to soil improvement. Very tolerant of exposed maritime conditions, it makes a good windbreak tree near the coast[75, 200]. A useful pioneer species, especially on chalky soils and in windy situations[186, K]. Wood - hard, heavy, close grained. Used for beams etc[11, 115]. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen:
Yes – Sorbus species produce clusters of small, white flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting):
Yes – The fruit (berries) of Sorbus species, such as rowan or mountain ash, are eaten by birds and mammals. The dense canopy provides shelter and roosting opportunities for birds, while the fallen leaves contribute to the detritus layer for invertebrates.
3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover):
Yes – The rough bark, leaf litter, and berry detritus provide overwintering sites for invertebrates and beneficial insects. The fallen leaves can serve as ground cover, benefiting the ecosystem.
4. Pest Confuser (Smell):
No – Sorbus species do not have a notable scent that acts as a pest confuser.
Special Uses
Attracts Wildlife Food Forest
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Succeeds in most reasonably good soils in an open sunny position[11]. Tolerates acid sands and thin chalky soils[98, 200]. Does well on heavy clays[200]. Tolerates light shade[188], though it fruits better in a sunny position[K]. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution and of exposed maritime positions[186]. The whitebeam is one of the first colonizers of chalk scrub[186]. As well as being a good pioneer species for this situation, it will often survive through the development to woodland[186]. There are several named varieties selected for their ornamental value[188]. Trees cast a fairly dense shade when mature[186]. Regenerating well after cutting, it is suitable for coppicing[186]. The fruit is very attractive to birds[11]. Plants are susceptible to fireblight[188]. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is branching: a heart root, dividing from the crown into several primary roots going down and out [2-1]. Many Sorbus species are not self-fertile and require cross-pollination with another variety for optimal fruit set. Whitebeam is a monoceous hermaphrodite species with white flowers. Flowers are insect pollinated and self-incompatible in the diploid sexual species3. Pollination is primarily conducted by insects, including bees and butterflies, which are attracted to the flowers for their nectar. The fruits are typically harvested in late summer to early autumn, from August to October (Northern Hemisphere), once they are fully ripe. Sorbus species usually flower in late spring to early summer, generally from May to June (Northern Hemisphere), producing clusters of white or pink flowers. Sorbus species are generally moderate to fast-growing, with some species reaching maturity in about 5 to 10 years, depending on species and growing conditions.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[78, 80]. If you have sufficient seed it can be sown in an outdoor seedbed[78, 80]. Stored seed germinates better if given 2 weeks warm then 14 - 16 weeks cold stratification[98], so sow it as early in the year as possible. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Seedlings are very slow to put on top-growth for their first year or two[11], but they are busy building up a good root system. It is best to keep them in pots in a cold frame for their first winter and then plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
TEMPERATE ASIA: Armenia, Georgia EUROPE: Denmark, United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Estonia, Ukraine (west), Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Croatia, Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain (incl. Baleares), France (incl. Corsica), Portugal AFRICA: Spain (Canarias), Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
(L.)Crantz.
Botanical References
1117200
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
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