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Sorbus austriaca - Hedl.

Common Name
Family Rosaceae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards The seeds probably contain hydrogen cyanide. This is the ingredient that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. Unless the seed is very bitter it should be perfectly safe in reasonable quantities. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.
Habitats Not known
Range Europe - Switzerland to Austria and Hungary.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Sorbus austriaca


Sorbus austriaca

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
Sorbus austriaca is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 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.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked in preserves etc[K]. Rather mealy but a pleasant semi-sweet flavour when fully ripe[K]. The fruits are about 13mm across[200] and are borne in fairly large bunches making harvesting easy[K].

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.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in most reasonably good soils in an open sunny position[11]. Tolerates light shade[188], though it fruits better in a sunny position[K]. This species is closely related to S. intermedia[200]. Plants are susceptible to fireblight[188]. Trees seen at Wisley and at Cambridge Botanical Gardens in September 1993 were bearing very good crops of fruit[K]. The name of this species might have been mis-spelt, it could be S. austrica[200].

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

EUROPE: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Russian Federation (Kaliningrad)

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 :

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Sorbus ariaWhitebeam, Chess-appleTree12.0 4-8  LMHSNM314
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Sorbus devoniensisDevon WhitebeamTree13.0 6-9 MLMHSNM302
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Sorbus scopulinaWestern Mountain Ash, Greene's mountain ash, Cascade mountain ashShrub4.0 4-8  LMHSNM211
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Sorbus species Tree10.0 6-9  LMHSNM20 
Sorbus thibeticaTibetan whitebeamTree20.0 5-9  LMHSNM300
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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

Hedl.

Botanical References

200

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Subject : Sorbus austriaca  
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