Sorbus domestica - Cormus

The Service Tree or Domestic Sorbus, known by its Latin name Sorbus domestica, is a relatively unknown fruit tree, not to be confused with the rowan tree. Easy to grow, it spontaneously grows in our forests. It forms an elegant, long-lived tree, with graceful pinnate foliage, white and fragrant spring flowering, followed in summer by fruits called medlars, resembling small wild pears with a sweet and mild taste that are consumed once fallen and over-ripe. Undemanding and versatile, this tree thrives when planted alone, in an orchard, or as a large hedge.

The Sorbus domestica belongs to the Rosaceae family like all service trees. Its botanical synonyms include: Cormus domestica, Pyrus domestica, Sorbus domestica var. pyrifera, Sorbus domestica var. pomifera, Pyrus sorbus. Originally native to the entire Mediterranean basin, it spread throughout Europe during the time of the Roman Empire. While it does not exceed 10 to 12 m in height in the south, in wetter regions and rich soils, it can reach the height of the tallest trees in forests. It adapts well to various soils and climates, making it valuable in times of climate change. It is an increasingly rare tree listed as endangered species in Switzerland and Austria. Some remarkable specimens in France and Europe reach 250 to 400 years. Its wood is very dense, ranking among the hardest indigenous woods in France and is used in tool making or as lumber in cabinetmaking.

This tree grows slowly and reaches a height of 10 to 15/20 m depending on growing conditions with a spread of 6 to 8 m, or more. It has an upright and broad habit, with orange-brown, scaly and fissured bark. Its foliage is deciduous, consisting of pinnate leaves with up to 21 rounded and partly toothed leaflets. Flowering occurs in May-June, in the form of clusters of small white, melliferous and fragrant flowers. The fruits, called medlars, sorbs, little pears, or pippins, appear in summer. They resemble small wild pears of 2 to 3 cm, clustered together. Initially green, then turning yellow with purple spots, they are edible only when over-ripe, after falling in September-October, when they become soft and sweet.

The service tree is a very hardy tree, able to withstand temperatures as low as -30°C, and undemanding. It prefers sunlight and tolerates partial shade. It easily adapts to various conditions and can be planted alone, in a large hedge, in a forest, or in an orchard. It tolerates all types of soils, including limestone, but rich and moist soil promotes greater growth.