Sorbus torminalis – Wild service tree

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Rosaceae

Sorbus torminalis – Wild service tree

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Large tree with a round, open crown. Usually reaches 15 m tall but under very favourable conditions can grow to 20 m. The young twigs have contiguous hairs which it loses after the first winter. The old bark is shed, first in small rectangular plates, later in long, narrow strips. The leaves are glossy green and almost hairless on top. The underside is lighter and hairy. In autumn the leaf turns a lovely red to purplish red. The flowers open in May. They are white with striking yellow anthers and stand in wide corymbs. The oval fruits are brown with light brown lenticels that are visible as light dots. A strong tree that grows in all nutrient-rich and moist soils but also tolerates drier soils.
Our trees can only be planted when they don't have any leaves. Due to the this we will start delivering again from November 2024.
Availability
Multi-stem (2)
Specifications
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Height
10 - 15 (20) m
Crown
round, light, open crown
Bark and branches
twigs grey-brown to reddish brown, bark grey to grey-brown, in peeling plates
Leaf
broad ovate, pointed lobes, 6 - 11 cm, glossy green
Autumn colour
red, purple
Flowers
white, Ø approx. 1.2 cm, in approx. 12 cm-wide corymbs, May
Fruits
brown with lighter lenticels, oval, approx. 1.5 cm long
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
nutrient-rich and moist soils, tolerates some drought
Soil moisture
suitable for dry soil
Paving
tolerates no paving
Winter hardiness zone
5b (-26,0 to -23,4 °C)
Wind resistance
good
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6), can withstand wind
Fauna tree
valuable for bees (honey plant), valuable for butterflies, provides food for birds
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
Central and Southern Europe, North-West Africa and Asia Minor
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree clay soil loamy soil peaty soil sandy soil tolerates no paving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) suitable for shadow suitable for dry soil can withstand wind 1st size , taller than 12 metres open crown green white May early sprout average growing Conspicuous bloom Attractive autumn colour valuable for bees (honey plant) valuable for butterflies provides food for birds non-toxic (usually)
Frequently asked questions
Sorbus torminalis

Sorbus torminalis can eventually reach a height of 10 - 15 (20) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Sorbus torminalis is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 10 - 15 (20) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The leaves of Sorbus torminalis turn red, purple in autumn.

The right time to plant Sorbus torminalis is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Sorbus torminalis with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Sorbus torminalis blooms in may.
General