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(Sorbus intermedia)
Swedish Whitebeam (Sorbus intermedia)
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Bernt Rostad
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Bernt Rostad
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Bernt Rostad | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Bernt Rostad | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Sorbus intermedia, commonly known as Swedish Whitebeam, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to the mixed forests and rocky hillsides of Scandinavia and the Baltic region. It typically grows to a height of 10–20 meters with a stout trunk that usually measures up to 60 cm in diameter, but can sometimes reach 2–3 meters. The bark is smooth and grey, and the tree is notable for its dense, rounded crown. Swedish Whitebeam produces clusters of white flowers in late spring, which are moderately showy and followed by orange-red berries that persist into winter, providing visual interest and food for birds.
Swedish Whitebeam is highly valued for its tolerance to urban pollution and compacted soils, making it an excellent choice for urban planting, including street avenues and parks. It is also appreciated for its ornamental qualities, such as the silvery underside of its leaves and its autumn color, which is a subtle yellow. This tree is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it thrives in full sun to part shade. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to fire blight and canker diseases. It is important to note that Sorbus mougeotii is often mistaken for and sold as Sorbus intermedia due to its similar appearance and apomictic nature, but it can be distinguished by its more erect branching and darker red fruit.CC BY-SA 4.0
Swedish Whitebeam is highly valued for its tolerance to urban pollution and compacted soils, making it an excellent choice for urban planting, including street avenues and parks. It is also appreciated for its ornamental qualities, such as the silvery underside of its leaves and its autumn color, which is a subtle yellow. This tree is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it thrives in full sun to part shade. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to fire blight and canker diseases. It is important to note that Sorbus mougeotii is often mistaken for and sold as Sorbus intermedia due to its similar appearance and apomictic nature, but it can be distinguished by its more erect branching and darker red fruit.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 30-40 feet
- Width: 30-40 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to mixed forests and rocky hillsides of Scandinavia and the Baltic region
Other Names
Common Names: Alisier De Suède , Sorbier Intermédiaire
Scientific Names: Sorbus intermedia , Scandosorbus intermedia , Sorbus scandica , Pyrus intermedia , Pyrus scandica , Sorbus suecica , Pyrus suecica , Aria scandica , Aria suecica , Sorbus aria subsp. scandica
GBIF Accepted Name: Scandosorbus intermedia (Ehrh.) Sennikov