Common Name: Himalayan Sorbaria

General Information

Sorbaria tomentosa is a graceful, spreading, deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of fuel. It is used in barrier plantings in the Himalayas to help keep animals out of gardens and fields, and is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens[].

Known Hazards

The leaves and flowers 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

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Range

Asia - Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, northern India, Nepal

Habitat

Hillsides and ravines, usually on the cooler aspects, often in most places such as water channels; at elevations from 2,100 - 2,700 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Sorbaria tomentosa can vary somewhat in hardiness, with plants coming from Afghanistan and Pakistan (var angustifolia) tolerating temperatures down to around -15°c, but some forms from the Himalayas being damaged at temperatures lower than -5°c[].
Prefers a sunny position, growing best in a fertile, moisture-retentive but well-dained soil[]. Grows best in a position sheltered from strong, cold winds[].
The plant is tolerant of atmospheric pollution[].
Plants will flower more freely if the stems are shortened back in winter or early spring, cutting the previous year's growth to 2 - 3 buds[, ].. On established plants old or weak shoots should be cut clean out, to make room for replacement shoots from the base[, ].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The fruits and the stems are used in the treatment of asthma[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is traditionally grown in living fences in the northwestern Himalayas, where it helps to exclude livestock and other animals; mark out land boundaries; whilst also providing a range of medicinal and other uses[].

Other Uses

The dark, yellowish-brown wood is hard, compact and even-grained[].
The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed -
Cuttings of young growth in the summer[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, mid to late summer in a frame[].
Division of suckers when dormant. They can be planted straight into their permanent positions[].