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Sorbus aria - (L.)Crantz.

Common Name Whitebeam, Chess-apple
Family Rosaceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
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 Woods and scrub, usually on chalk or limestone[3, 9, 13, 17].
Range Central and S. Europe, from Britain and France to Spain, east to Macedonia and Transylvania.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (4 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Sorbus aria Whitebeam, Chess-apple


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sorbus_aria_Sturm9.jpg
Sorbus aria Whitebeam, Chess-apple
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:SBT

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
Sorbus aria is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 8 m (26ft).
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.
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 nivea. Crataegus aria. Pyrus aria.

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

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].

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].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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The PFAF Bookshop

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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.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

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 :

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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.

 

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Author

(L.)Crantz.

Botanical References

1117200

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