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How To Care
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More Genus
Sorbus (Sorbus)
The sorbus are shrubs and small trees that are valued for their attractive foliage and bright-colored fruits. They do not do well in dry climates, as they need quite a bit of moisture throughout the growing season. Some species are cultivated commercially as ornamental plants.
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Sorbus
Feedback
Attributes of Sorbus
Leaf type
Deciduous
Scientific Classification of Sorbus
Distribution of Sorbus
Feedback
Distribution Map of Sorbus
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Sorbus
Feedback
The sorbus genus consists of deciduous trees and shrubs known for their ornamental value. Basic Care Needs require that sorbus be planted in well-draining, loamy soil with access to full sun or partial shade. Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry periods, but sorbus does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Common Challenges include susceptibility to fire blight, aphids, and scab. Seasonal Considerations involve pruning in late winter or early spring and monitoring for pests and diseases, especially during warm, humid months. Fall coloration is a notable sorbus feature, and some species may produce berries that attract wildlife into the winter.
How to Water Sorbus?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Sorbus?
How to Propagate Sorbus?
How to Plant Sorbus?
Exploring the Sorbus Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
European mountain-ash
Sorbus aucuparia, also known as european mountain-ash, is a deciduous tree native to Europe. It grows a slim trunk with upward-curving branches as it matures. Its admirable upright and dense branching gives the plant an oval crown. The juicy and soft clustered fruits are an excellent source of food for birds, while its yellow to plum foliage adds to its overall aesthetic appeal.
Whitebeam
Whitebeam (Sorbus aria) is a deciduous tree that will grow to 15 m tall. Clusters of white flowers bloom from spring to summer. Flowers turn into edible berries that ripen to bright red in late summer. Leaves fade to a rich russet brown in fall before falling off. Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Attracts bees butterflies and birds.
Swedish whitebeam
Sorbus intermedia is a deciduous tree that is native to Sweden and has become naturalized in other areas of northern Europe. In early summer it produces clusters of white flowers that mature into brownish-red berries. Swedish whitebeam is often planted in urban environments for its attractive fall foliage.
True service tree
True service tree, or sorb tree, (Sorbus domestica) is an endangered fruit tree from Europe and northern Africa that lives up to 400 years. It can grow as tall as 20 m and has dense wood that's good for woodworking. The fruit is used in cider and jam and is sometimes eaten directly if allowed to over-ripen slightly.
Wild service tree
Wild service tree is a medium-size deciduous tree that is becoming increasingly rare. It is sometimes found in Britain, where it is an important food source to birds and mammals. Historically, this tree was used in beer-making.
American mountain-ash
American mountain-ash trees (Sorbus americana) grow native in eastern Canada and New England. They grow clusters of tiny berries that remain on the tree through winter, making american mountain-ash an important food source for wildlife. Moose and deer like to eat its foliage and bark, and various birds are fond of its sour fruits. Its small size and attractive appearance make it a good ornamental tree.
Greene's mountain ash
Greene's mountain ash (Sorbus scopulina) is a member of the rose family found in the mountainous regions of western North America, from foothills to alpine slopes. This shrub produces small, white fragrant flowers followed by orange-red berries which provide food for many birds and mammals in the winter months.
Korean mountain ash
Because of its autumn color, the korean mountain ash is sometimes grown as an ornamental tree in northern Europe. This flowering tree is pyramid shaped at first but eventually grows into a rounder shape. It has red to yellow fruits that attract and feed birds.
All Species of Sorbus
European mountain-ash
European mountain-ash
Sorbus aucuparia, also known as european mountain-ash, is a deciduous tree native to Europe. It grows a slim trunk with upward-curving branches as it matures. Its admirable upright and dense branching gives the plant an oval crown. The juicy and soft clustered fruits are an excellent source of food for birds, while its yellow to plum foliage adds to its overall aesthetic appeal.
Whitebeam
Whitebeam
Whitebeam (Sorbus aria) is a deciduous tree that will grow to 15 m tall. Clusters of white flowers bloom from spring to summer. Flowers turn into edible berries that ripen to bright red in late summer. Leaves fade to a rich russet brown in fall before falling off. Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Attracts bees butterflies and birds.
Swedish whitebeam
Swedish whitebeam
Sorbus intermedia is a deciduous tree that is native to Sweden and has become naturalized in other areas of northern Europe. In early summer it produces clusters of white flowers that mature into brownish-red berries. Swedish whitebeam is often planted in urban environments for its attractive fall foliage.
True service tree
True service tree
True service tree, or sorb tree, (Sorbus domestica) is an endangered fruit tree from Europe and northern Africa that lives up to 400 years. It can grow as tall as 20 m and has dense wood that's good for woodworking. The fruit is used in cider and jam and is sometimes eaten directly if allowed to over-ripen slightly.
Wild service tree
Wild service tree
Wild service tree is a medium-size deciduous tree that is becoming increasingly rare. It is sometimes found in Britain, where it is an important food source to birds and mammals. Historically, this tree was used in beer-making.
American mountain-ash
American mountain-ash
American mountain-ash trees (Sorbus americana) grow native in eastern Canada and New England. They grow clusters of tiny berries that remain on the tree through winter, making american mountain-ash an important food source for wildlife. Moose and deer like to eat its foliage and bark, and various birds are fond of its sour fruits. Its small size and attractive appearance make it a good ornamental tree.
Greene's mountain ash
Greene's mountain ash
Greene's mountain ash (Sorbus scopulina) is a member of the rose family found in the mountainous regions of western North America, from foothills to alpine slopes. This shrub produces small, white fragrant flowers followed by orange-red berries which provide food for many birds and mammals in the winter months.
Korean mountain ash
Korean mountain ash
Because of its autumn color, the korean mountain ash is sometimes grown as an ornamental tree in northern Europe. This flowering tree is pyramid shaped at first but eventually grows into a rounder shape. It has red to yellow fruits that attract and feed birds.
Dwarf whitebeam
Dwarf whitebeam
Dwarf whitebeam may be mistaken for holly when the berries ripen in the fall, as the small red fruit resembles Holly berries. The leaves are also similar, adding to the confusion. With heights reaching up to 3 m, it is an imposing tree in the mountains of southern and central Europe.
Sitka mountain-ash
Sitka mountain-ash
The sitka mountain-ash (*Sorbus sitchensis*) is named after the Sitka, one of the Tlingit tribes. It grows from the coast up to subalpine slopes. The fruit remains on the tree for most of the winter, so it is an important food source for birds, particularly grouse, cedar waxwings, and grosbeaks. Dear, elk, moose, and bears also eat this plant.
Mougeot's whitebeam
Mougeot's whitebeam
Mougeot's whitebeam has been reported as toxic if consumed in large quantities. This is a frost-hardy deciduous tree that grows at elevation in the wild, with its flowers attracting birds. It prefers moist soils with little shade.
Northern mountain ash
Northern mountain ash
The northern mountain ash is a shrub plant native to North America. It grows small, red fruits that resemble berries. Since the fruits remain in winter and spring, they are important food sources for birds. The northern mountain ash is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant.
Sorbus dacica
Sorbus dacica
Sorbus dacica is an intriguing plant with unique qualities. It is widely appreciated for its stunning garden usage, as its vibrant colors and delicate flowers effortlessly enhance any landscape. This plant also attracts a diverse range of insects and birds, adding life and vitality to its surroundings. With its impressive blooming seasons and ability to thrive in various ecosystems, the sorbus dacica truly stands out among its botanical peers. Its name origin is equally fascinating, hinting at captivating stories and legends. These factors, combined with its distinct features and unusual lifespan, make the sorbus dacica a truly remarkable and unforgettable plant.
Broad-leaved whitebeam
Broad-leaved whitebeam
It is a medium-sized deciduous tree that grows to between ten and twenty metres tall, with a trunk up to sixty centimetres in diameter. The leaves are five to ten centimetres long and broad (rarely, up to 20 cm long and 12 cm broad), but, most typically, the leaves are approximately as broad as they are long.
Chinese scarlet rowan
Chinese scarlet rowan
Chinese scarlet rowan is a deciduous tree known for its pinnate leaves that turn vivid shades of red and purple in autumn. Clusters of white flowers blossom in spring, which then give way to orange-red berries that attract wildlife. Thriving in well-drained soils, chinese scarlet rowan is hardy and adapts well to temperate climates, growing to its full majestic form when bathed in sunlight.
Sorbus randaiensis
Sorbus randaiensis
Deciduous trees with obvious lenticel on the branches.
Whitebeam 'Lutescens'
Whitebeam 'Lutescens'
Whitebeam 'Lutescens' is a deciduous tree notable for its silvery, downy undersides of young leaves, which give a shimmering effect in the breeze. Mature leaves transition to a glossy green above, providing a striking contrast. Creamy white flowers blossom in spring before yielding to autumn berries, favored by wildlife. Thriving in well-drained soils, whitebeam 'Lutescens' often adorns urban streets and gardens with its hardy yet elegant stature.
Sorbus aucuparia subsp. pohuashanensis
Sorbus aucuparia subsp. pohuashanensis
Sorbus aucuparia subsp. pohuashanensis is a deciduous tree renowned for its lush pinnate leaves, clusters of white flowers, and vivid red berries. Preferring cooler climates, it has evolved a hardy nature, thriving particularly in mountainous regions. Its striking autumn foliage and ability to attract wildlife make it both an ecological mainstay and a visual highlight in its native habitat.
Mountain ash 'Eastern Promise'
Mountain ash 'Eastern Promise'
Mountain ash 'Eastern Promise' is a resilient and ornamental tree celebrated for its stunning spring blossom, often a delicate pink. As the seasons change, it bears clusters of bright red-orange berries that attract various bird species. The foliage transforms into a fiery autumnal display of red and orange hues, indicating adaptations to temperate climates. Mountain ash 'Eastern Promise''s modest stature makes it ideal for smaller gardens, where it contributes to biodiversity and seasonal interest.
European mountain ash
European mountain ash
European mountain ash is a versatile plant commonly used as a ornamental tree. Its fruit is a favorite of birds.
European mountain-ash 'Joseph Rock'
European mountain-ash 'Joseph Rock'
European mountain-ash 'Joseph Rock' is a striking ornamental tree noted for its cascade of white spring blossoms and distinctive clusters of amber-yellow berries in autumn. This deciduous european mountain-ash 'Joseph Rock''s pinnate leaves unfurl with a fresh green hue and shift to vibrant oranges and reds come fall, providing a stunning seasonal display. Adaptable to various soils, it thrives in sunlit areas and is favored for adding a burst of color to temperate landscapes.
Sorbus pseudohupehensis 'Pink Pagoda'
Sorbus pseudohupehensis 'Pink Pagoda'
Sorbus pseudohupehensis 'Pink Pagoda' is a robust deciduous tree famed for its captivating spring blossom of pink-tinged white flowers. As autumn unfolds, its leaves turn vibrant shades of red and orange, providing a seasonal spectacle, while round, red berries offer winter sustenance for wildlife. Its resilience and modest size make it well-suited to temperate gardens, thriving best in well-drained soil under full sun to partial shade.
Swedish whitebeam 'Brouwers'
Swedish whitebeam 'Brouwers'
Swedish whitebeam 'Brouwers''s dark-green lobed leaves with silver under-hairs and creamy white flowers give this cultivar its distinct appearance. Raised as a clonal variation of the Sorbus intermedia, swedish whitebeam 'Brouwers' was named after the cultivator who discovered it. This variant is loved for its unique appeal, attractive growth habit, and multi-season value.
Mountain ash 'Olympic Flame'
Mountain ash 'Olympic Flame'
Mountain ash 'Olympic Flame' is a striking deciduous tree known for its vibrant foliage that transitions from green to fiery red and orange in autumn. Its pinnate leaves and clusters of white flowers in spring add ornamental appeal. Naturally at home in cooler climes, mountain ash 'Olympic Flame' thrives in well-drained soils, its growth reflecting the temperate habitats it favors.
Japanese rowan
Japanese rowan
It is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree growing to 7 to 10 m tall. The leaves are 20 to 30 cm long, and pinnate. The leaves consist of 11–17 leaflets, with an acuminate apex and serrated margin. The flowers are 6 to 10 mm in diameter, with five white petals and 20 yellowish-white stamens. The fruit is a bright orange to red pome 7 to 8 mm in diameter, maturing in autumn.
European mountain-ash 'Sheerwater Seedling'
European mountain-ash 'Sheerwater Seedling'
This ornamental tree is a cultivar that produces white flowers in spring and clusters of attractive red berries toward the end of summer. The leaves are also color-changing, turning from green to a brilliant shade of orange. Many people add european mountain-ash 'Sheerwater Seedling' to landscapes or streets for ornamental purposes or to attract pollinators.
Common whitebeam
Common whitebeam
Common whitebeam is a captivating plant that is sure to add beauty to any garden. Its delicate white flowers blossom in the spring, attracting a variety of insects and birds. Not only is it visually stunning, but this plant also has economic value, as its fruits can be used to make jams and jellies. With its interesting name origin and unique appearance, the common whitebeam is a must-have for any plant enthusiast.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Sorbus
Sorbus
The sorbus are shrubs and small trees that are valued for their attractive foliage and bright-colored fruits. They do not do well in dry climates, as they need quite a bit of moisture throughout the growing season. Some species are cultivated commercially as ornamental plants.
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Sorbus
Feedback
Attributes of Sorbus
Leaf type
Deciduous
Scientific Classification of Sorbus
Distribution of Sorbus
Feedback
Distribution Map of Sorbus
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Sorbus
Feedback
The sorbus genus consists of deciduous trees and shrubs known for their ornamental value. Basic Care Needs require that sorbus be planted in well-draining, loamy soil with access to full sun or partial shade. Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry periods, but sorbus does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Common Challenges include susceptibility to fire blight, aphids, and scab. Seasonal Considerations involve pruning in late winter or early spring and monitoring for pests and diseases, especially during warm, humid months. Fall coloration is a notable sorbus feature, and some species may produce berries that attract wildlife into the winter.
How to Water Sorbus?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Sorbus?
How to Propagate Sorbus?
How to Plant Sorbus?
Exploring the Sorbus Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
European mountain-ash
Sorbus aucuparia, also known as european mountain-ash, is a deciduous tree native to Europe. It grows a slim trunk with upward-curving branches as it matures. Its admirable upright and dense branching gives the plant an oval crown. The juicy and soft clustered fruits are an excellent source of food for birds, while its yellow to plum foliage adds to its overall aesthetic appeal.
Whitebeam
Whitebeam (Sorbus aria) is a deciduous tree that will grow to 15 m tall. Clusters of white flowers bloom from spring to summer. Flowers turn into edible berries that ripen to bright red in late summer. Leaves fade to a rich russet brown in fall before falling off. Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Attracts bees butterflies and birds.
Swedish whitebeam
Sorbus intermedia is a deciduous tree that is native to Sweden and has become naturalized in other areas of northern Europe. In early summer it produces clusters of white flowers that mature into brownish-red berries. Swedish whitebeam is often planted in urban environments for its attractive fall foliage.
True service tree
True service tree, or sorb tree, (Sorbus domestica) is an endangered fruit tree from Europe and northern Africa that lives up to 400 years. It can grow as tall as 20 m and has dense wood that's good for woodworking. The fruit is used in cider and jam and is sometimes eaten directly if allowed to over-ripen slightly.
Show More Species
All Species of Sorbus
European mountain-ash
Whitebeam
Swedish whitebeam
True service tree
Wild service tree
American mountain-ash
Greene's mountain ash
Korean mountain ash
Dwarf whitebeam
Sitka mountain-ash
Mougeot's whitebeam
Northern mountain ash
Sorbus dacica
Broad-leaved whitebeam
Chinese scarlet rowan
Sorbus randaiensis
Whitebeam 'Lutescens'
Sorbus aucuparia subsp. pohuashanensis
Mountain ash 'Eastern Promise'
European mountain ash
European mountain-ash 'Joseph Rock'
Sorbus pseudohupehensis 'Pink Pagoda'
Swedish whitebeam 'Brouwers'
Mountain ash 'Olympic Flame'
Japanese rowan
European mountain-ash 'Sheerwater Seedling'
Common whitebeam
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
