About
Sorbus torminalis, the wild service tree, is a deciduous tree to 12 m with an upright, rounded habit producing maple-like, broadly pinnately lobed, dark-green leaves downy beneath and turning reddish or yellow in autumn, lax clusters of white flowers in early summer and small, speckled-brown fruits. A rewarding, elegant and historically significant native ornamental tree for a sunny, well-drained garden.
About the genus
Sorbus, the mountain ashes, rowans and whitebeams, are deciduous trees or shrubs producing simple or pinnate leaves and clusters of small, white or pink flowers followed by white, yellow, pink, red or brown berries; many provide excellent autumn colour. Rewarding and ornamental trees and shrubs for a sunny, well-drained garden.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toEurope, Africa, Asia
ToxicityFruit are ornamental, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution and dry conditions
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, softwood cuttings or grafting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, pear blister mite, red spider mite and sawfly larvae
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fireblight, apple canker, silver leaf and honey fungus