Sorbus is treated here in the broad sense, including the subgenera Aria and Torminaria. However, these two subgenera are likely to be recognized at generic rank, based on flower and fruit characters, once molecular studies can consistently resolve their placement within the Pyrinae, overcoming current difficulties with interfertility, reticulate relationships, rapid radiation, and small samples[].
The taxonomy of Sorbus is complicated by apomixis, polyploidy, and hybridization among sections and genera, especially in Eurasia. Sorbus hybridizes with several other genera in the tribe Maleae, including Amelanchier (×Amelasorbus Rehder); Crataegus (×Crataegosorbus Makino); Aronia (×Sorbaronia C. K. Schneider); Cotoneaster (×Sorbocotoneaster Pojarkova); Pyrus (×Sorbopyrus C. K. Schneider), and Malus (×Tormimalus Holub [= Sorbus subg. Torminaria × Malus])[].

Common Name: Whitebeam

General Information

Sorbus aria is a deciduous tree usually growing from 5 - 15 metres tall, occasionally reaching 25 metress uses. The tree often develops multiple slender trunks[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is often grown as an ornamental and is used as a pioneer when restoring native woodland.

Known Hazards

Although no specific information has been seen, the seed, and other parts of the plant, is likely to contain cyanogenic glycosides. When injested, these compounds break down in the digestive tract to release cyanide. Used in small quantities in both traditional and conventional medicine, this exceedingly poisonous compound has been shown to stimulate respiration, improve digestion, and promote a sense of well-being[]. It is also claimed by some to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer - though this claim has been largely refuted.
In larger concentrations, however, cyanide can cause gasping, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, spasms, convulsions, coma and respiratory failure leading to death[].
The levels of toxin can be detected by the level of bitterness:- sweet almonds, for example, contain only very low levels of it and are safe to eat in quantity, whilst bitter almonds (which are used as a flavouring in foods such as marzipan) contain much higher levels and should only be eaten in very small quantities. Great caution should be employed if the taste is moderately to very bitter[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Central and S. Europe - Britain to Spain, east to Ukraine and Greece; N. Africa - Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia

Habitat

Woods and scrub, usually on chalk or limestone[, , , ]. Found mainly in openings and at the edges of limestone beech forests, most commoly in mountainous regions; at elevations up to 1,600 metres, occasionally to 2,150 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	12.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Sorbus aria is a very cold-hardy tree, tolerating temperatures down to around -25°c when dormant
Succeeds in most reasonably good soils in an open sunny position[]. Tolerates acid sands and thin chalky soils[, ]. Does well on heavy clays[]. Tolerates light shade[], though it fruits better in a sunny position[]. Established plants develop a deep root system and are drought tolerant[]. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution and of exposed maritime positions[].
There are several named varieties selected for their ornamental value[].
A slow-growing tree, it starts fruiting when around 10 - 20 years old and can live for 100 - 200 years[].
Trees cast a fairly dense shade when mature[].
Regenerating well after cutting, it is suitable for coppicing[].
The fruit is very attractive to birds[].
Plants are susceptible to fireblight[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked and used in preserves etc. The fruit is usually bletted if it is going to be eaten raw[, , , , , ]. 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[]. 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[, , ]. The ovoid or roundish fruit is scarlet-red, specked with brownish lenticels, and is around 10 - 12mm long[, ].

Medicinal

Both the flowers and the fruit are mildly diuretic, laxative and emmenagogue[]. An infusion is used in the treatment of painful menstruation, constipation and kidney disorders[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Very tolerant of exposed maritime conditions, it makes a good windbreak tree near the coast[, ].
A useful pioneer species, especially on chalky soils and in windy situations[, ]. The whitebeam is one of the first colonizers of chalk scrub[]. As well as being a good pioneer species for this situation, it will often survive through the development to woodland[].

Other Uses

The wood is generally yellowish-brown, but sometimes white. It is hard, heavy, close grained. It is used for beams, naves and felloes of wheels, carpenters' tools, walking sticks, cutlery handles etc[, , ].

Propagation

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.