Sorbus aria

Sorbus aria flower (17/04/2011, London)

Position: Full sun but will tolerate partial shade

Soil: Moist, well drained, thrives on alkaline

Flowering period: Late spring

Eventual Height: 10m

Eventual Spread: 10m

Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Rosaceae

Sorbus aria is a deciduous tree with a broadly columnar habit. The leaves are irregularly doubly serrate, mid green and are white-hairy underneath, these turn scarlet in autumn. The inflorescence is in the form of corymbs of white flowers in late spring. These are followed by small, ovoid to spherical, brown speckled, dark red berries in autumn. There are a number of varieties of this tree including ‘Majestica’ and ‘Lutescens’ which are larger than the species and have larger grayish leaves.

Sorbus aria, commonly known as Whitebeam, is native to most of Europe, including England. The  common name was given to this tree by the Anglo-Saxons in reference to its snowy white appearance when in flower and how it also changes colour from green to white and back again as the foliage is blown back and forth by the wind. It was traditionally used for its wood, which can be turned into cogs and was used in other forms of machinery before iron became the material of choice.

The etymological root of the binomial name Sorbus was the old Latin name for Sorbus domestica (the Service Tree). Aria is derived from the Greek name for this tree, as used by Theophrastus.

Sorbus aria (17/04/2011, London)

Due to its distinctive appearance and tidy habit the landscape architect may find Sorbus aria useful as a specimen tree. The variety ‘Lutescens’, particularly, makes an excellent street tree.

Sorbus aria prefers chalky soil but will tolerate a wide pH range so long as the soil is free draining.

Ecologically, Sorbus aria will attract pollinating insects such as bees that will feed on its nectar. It will also cater for a wide range of animals including squirrels and hedgehogs as well as birds.

The Royal Horticultural Society have given Sorbus aria their prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

Sorbus aria requires little care, dead or damaged material should be removed at the end of winter.