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Sorbus species - .

Common Name
Family Rosaceae
USDA hardiness 6-9
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 in the wild
Range A range of hybrids of garden origin
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 species


Sorbus species

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
Sorbus species is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 7 m (23ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
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

Habitats

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[K]. Up to 15mm in diameter[11].

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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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

This record is to cover a series of hybrids of garden origin that belong to the whitebeam section of the genus but have not been placed in a distinct species. The following notes are based on the general needs of this group of plants[K]. 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]. Plants are susceptible to fireblight[188]. A very ornamental tree[11. Plants are apt to die back without any warning[11].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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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. This is a hybrid and so is unlikely to breed true from seed.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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 :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Amelasorbus jackiiJack's amelasorbusShrub2.0 3-7  LMHSNM20 
Sorbus alnifoliaKorean Mountain AshTree15.0 4-7 FLMHSNM102
Sorbus americanaAmerican Mountain AshTree10.0 2-6 SLMHSNM122
Sorbus ariaWhitebeam, Chess-appleTree12.0 4-8  LMHSNM314
Sorbus aucupariaMountain Ash, European mountain ashTree15.0 3-6 MLMHSNM223
Sorbus austriaca Tree10.0 5-9  LMHSNM20 
Sorbus commixta Tree10.0 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Sorbus decoraShowy Mountain AshTree10.0 0-0  LMHSNM112
Sorbus devoniensisDevon WhitebeamTree13.0 6-9 MLMHSNM302
Sorbus domesticaService TreeTree15.0 6-10 MLMHSNM502
Sorbus gracilis Shrub2.0 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Sorbus hybridaSwedish Service Tree, Oakleaf mountain ashTree9.0 4-8  LMHSNM10 
Sorbus intermediaSwedish WhitebeamTree12.0 4-8 MLMHSNM203
Sorbus japonica Tree20.0 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Sorbus lanata Tree10.0 4-8 MLMHSNM302
Sorbus latifoliaFrench HalesTree14.0 4-8 MLMHSNM40 
Sorbus mougeotii Tree18.0 5-9 MLMHSNM40 
Sorbus pohuashanensis Tree10.0 4-8 FLMHSNM10 
Sorbus sambucifoliaSiberian mountain ashShrub0.0 5-9  LMHSNM20 
Sorbus scopulinaWestern Mountain Ash, Greene's mountain ash, Cascade mountain ashShrub4.0 4-8  LMHSNM211
Sorbus sitchensisSitka Mountain Ash, Western mountain ashShrub1.8 4-8 SLMHSNM112
Sorbus thibeticaTibetan whitebeamTree20.0 5-9  LMHSNM300
Sorbus torminalisWild Service Tree, CheckertreeTree20.0 5-9 MLMHSNM402
Sorbus vestita Tree10.0 6-9  LMHSNM10 

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.

 

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Subject : Sorbus species  
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