Whitebeam, common   /   Sorbus aria

Areas of Origin: Western Europe up to 2300 metres (2515yds) altitude and Algeria.
Adult Dimensions: Height up to 15 metres (4,9'), width up to 10 metres (32,8').
Foliage: Deciduous.
Soil type: All
Hardiness: Hardy tolerant to -20°C.
Exposure: Full sun.

Characteristics and uses: White flowers in May. The leaves which are shiny green on top and silver white underneath are very decorative.  In autumn they become golden brown.  The fruits are green at first and then become red orange, they mature in the autumn and are slightly acidic.  This little tree can be used alone or within a mix of other plants for example as a country hedge.

List of Sorbus:
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), small red berries from July through to winter, extremely appreciated by birds
ServiceTree (Sorbus domestica), interesting red green pear shaped berries
Swedish Whitebeam (Sorbus intermedia), white blossom in May and June, small red berries
Wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis), white blossom in May and June, magnificent autumnal colours