Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Sorbus aria (whitebeam) is a medium-sized, dome-shaped, deciduous tree, native to the south of the England. It's planted in towns, parks and gardens throughout the UK but is rarely seen growing in the wild. It has oval, serrated leaves that are shiny and dark green on top and covered with white, felt-like hair underneath – they turn an attractive russet colour in autumn. In May, clusters of small white flowers appear, followed by red, haw-like berries known as chess apples in north west England. These are edible when almost rotten.
The flowers are pollinated by insects, the berries are popular with birds and the leaves are eaten by caterpillars of several types of moth. The wood of the tree is white and can be used in joinery.
Whitebeam is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including chalk, but for best results grow in moist but well-drained soil, in full sun to partial shade. It's slow growing but as it grows quite large (around 12m x 8m), it's best suited to a large or woodland garden.
Where to buy Sorbus aria
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Sorbus is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds and butterflies/moths. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers and has seeds for birds.
