Swedish Whitebeam
Sorbus intermedia

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Sorbus intermedia is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects, Apomictic (reproduce by seeds formed without sexual fusion). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 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.

Height (m): 12

Where it is found

Not known

Europe. Freely naturalized in some areas of Britain. Possibly of hybrid origin.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw or cooked. A mild, though slightly bitter flavour with a mealy texture. The fruit is up to 13mm across and is produced in quite large clusters, making harvesting easier.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Resistant to maritime exposure, this tree can be used as a part of a shelterbelt planting. If regularly trimmed it can be used as a dense deciduous hedge.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Shelterbelt: Wind resistant plants than can be grown to provide shelter in the garden etc.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Succeeds in most reasonably good well-drained soils in an open sunny position. Tolerates very acid or alkaline soils and light shade, though it fruits better in a sunny position. Suitable for very exposed sites, including maritime exposure. Tolerates atmospheric pollution. Resistant to fireblight. The trees usually have apomictic flowers. They thus produce seed asexually, each seedling being a clone of the parent. The fruits are very attractive to birds.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. If you have sufficient seed it can be sown in an outdoor seedbed. Stored seed germinates better if given 2 weeks warm then 14 - 16 weeks cold stratification, 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, 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.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary; Hedge;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

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.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

S. scandia. S. suecica. Crataegus aria scandia. C. aria suecica. Pyrus intermedia.