The Swedish whitebeam is closely related to the rowanberry. In contrast to this, however, it is not poisonous and is therefore a sensible alternative if small children or pets often play in your garden. Would you like to know more interesting things about the Swedish whitebeam that might be relevant for planting? Then you are exactly right on this page.

The Swedish whitebeam has an impressive frost hardiness

General

  • German name: Swedish whitebeam
  • Botanical name: Sorbus intermedia
  • Other names: Swedish rowanberry, oxelberry
  • Tree Family: Rose Family (Rosaceae)
  • Tree species: deciduous tree
  • Root type: heart root
  • deciduous

Origin and location requirements

occurrence and use

  • Distribution: throughout Central Europe
  • Use: in parks, gardens and on the roadside

Did you know that the Swedish whitebeam only grows naturally in the northern climes (Scandinavia, the northern Baltic States and northern Germany)? In the meantime, it has adapted to the climatic conditions throughout Europe and is now also cultivated as an ornamental tree outside of these countries.

location

  • Light requirements: sunny to semi-shady
  • Frost hardiness: up to -28°C
  • Dry, stony meadows, in deciduous forests, in rocky landscapes

substrate

  • sandy
  • strong loamy
  • pH value: neutral to alkaline

habit

  • maximum growth height: 10-18 m
  • Growth form: branched

leaves

  • Shape: ovoid
  • Leaf margin: irregularly serrated, lobed
  • Upper side of leaf: dark green, glossy
  • Underside of leaves: slightly tomentose
  • Leaf position: alternate
  • Leaf length: up to 10 cm
  • Autumn colour: dark yellow to red

blossom

  • Flowering period: May to June
  • Flower color: white
  • intense fragrance
  • Flower shape: cymes
  • Size: 10-12mm
  • Sex: monoecious, hermaphroditic
  • Type of reproduction: animal pollination

fruit

  • Size: comparable to a pea
  • Type of fruit: small apple fruits
  • Color orange
  • Fruit ripening: September to October
  • Toxic?: edible, with floury-sweet taste
  • Use: as jelly, juice or jam

tips

If you enjoy bird watching, planting a Swedish whitebeam in your garden is highly recommended. The bright orange fruits attract numerous different species.

wood

  • Twig color: reddish brown
  • Buds: thick, pointed, also reddish brown
  • Bark: grey-black and smooth
  • Usage: Skittles, Limb Rulers

diseases and pests

  • susceptible to numerous fungal species

Category:

Trees