Sorbus hybrida

Swedish servicetree, Oak-leaf Mountain-ash

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit Potential hazards — see below

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Summary

Sorbus hybrida may refer to several different species of plants: Sorbus hybrida (L.) L., a synonym for Hedlundia hybrida, the Finnish whitebeam Sorbus hybrida Syme, a synonym for Hedlundia pseudofennica, the Arran service-tree Sorbus hybrida Heuff., an unplaced species of plant that cannot be brought into synonymy Sorbus hybrida W.D.J.Koch, an unplaced species of plant that cannot be brought into synonymy Sorbus hybrida Maly, an unplaced species of plant that cannot be brought into synonymy

Description

A deciduous tree reaching 9 m tall, hardy to UK zone 5, not frost tender. Flowers in May; seeds ripen in September. Hermaphrodite, insect-pollinated, apomictic (reproduces by asexual seed formation), and self-fertile. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay well-drained soils. Tolerates mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline pH, and can grow in very acid or very alkaline soils. Thrives in semi-shade or full sun, prefers moist conditions, and withstands strong winds but not coastal exposure. Notable for attracting wildlife.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It measures 10–12mm across and is produced in fairly large bunches, making harvesting easier.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

The seeds probably contain hydrogen cyanide. This is the ingredient that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. Unless the seed is very bitter it should be perfectly safe in reasonable quantities. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Europe, Scandinavia, Sweden,

Cultivation

Succeeds in most reasonably good soils in an open sunny position. Tolerates very acid or alkaline soils. Tolerates light shade, though it fruits better in a sunny position. Plants are susceptible to fireblight. The trees usually have apomictic flowers. They thus produce seed asexually, each seedling being a clone of the parent.

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Where seed is plentiful, it can be sown in an outdoor seedbed. Stored seed benefits from 2 weeks of warm stratification followed by 14–16 weeks of cold stratification, so sow as early in the year as possible. Prick out seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle. Top-growth is very slow in the first year or two as the plant focuses on root development. Keep seedlings in pots in a cold frame through their first winter, then plant out into permanent positions in late spring.