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Summary
Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz
is a synonym of Torminalis glaberrima. The Wild Service Tree (S. torminalis)has edible fruit prepared and eaten like S. domestica. It responds well to coppicing, is drought-tolerant once established, and can thrive in calcareous soils. It is native to Southern and Central Europe, North Africa, and parts of Western Asia, including Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and the Caucasus region.
Physical Characteristics
Sorbus torminalis is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in 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. 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
Torminalis glaberrima. Crataegus torminalis. Pyrus torminalis.
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Canopy;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:
Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 5, 11, 74, 115, 183]. The taste is best after a frost because it turns sweeter. The fruit can also be bletted if it is going to be eaten raw[3, 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. Rich in vitamin C. The fruit is up to 1.5cm across[200] and is borne in bunches which makes it easier to harvest[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.
Antirheumatic Hypoglycaemic Vitamin C
None known
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Wood
Agroforestry uses: Sorbus species can be used as shade trees and benefit 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. Wood - heavy, fine grained, polishes well. Used for turning and wood carving[74, 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 bird shelter and roosting opportunities, 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
Food Forest
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Succeeds in reasonably good soils so long as they are not too poor or acid, in an open sunny position[1, 11]. Prefers clay soils[3, 11]. Tolerates moderate shade[188] but does not fruit so well in such a position[K]. Grows best in the eastern half of Britain[121]. Plants are susceptible to fireblight[188]. Plants respond well to coppicing[186]. When found in a truly wild situation, this species indicates primary woodland[200]. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help choose 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]. 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. The fruits are typically harvested in late summer to early autumn, from August to October (Northern Hemisphere), once 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 reaching maturity in about 5 to 10 years, depending on species and growing conditions. The Wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis) can be self-fertile but also partially self-incompatible.
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: Cyprus, Iran (northwest), Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Russian Federation-Ciscaucasia (Ciscaucasia), Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia EUROPE: Denmark, United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Moldova, Ukraine (incl. Krym), Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Croatia, Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, France, Portugal AFRICA: 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.
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Author
(L.)Crantz.
Botanical References
1117200
Links / References
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