Sorbus torminalis

The Sorbus torminalis, or Wild Service Tree, is a beautiful bush that is still relatively unknown to gardeners. This deciduous tree of large size is recognised by its simple and glabrous leaves, resembling maple leaves with their spread-out shape and pointed lobes. Shiny green, they turn orange-red to purple in autumn. In May, the branches are covered with bright white flowering, which is attractive to bees. It is followed by fruiting in clusters of oval reddish-brown fruits, highly appreciated by birds. This bush, with a rounded habit, reaches about 15 metres (49 feet) in height at maturity. Very hardy, resistant, and tolerant to summer drought, it is an excellent ornamental tree that will look great as a standalone in a medium to large garden.

The Sorbus torminalis belongs to the family of rosaceae. This shade-tolerant species, native to wooded areas of Europe, Africa, and Asia Minor, is also known as the Wild Service Tree. Despite its many qualities, it is still relatively rare in gardens. Indeed, it is a perfectly hardy plant. It develops a fairly short vertical trunk, topped by an open and oval to rounded crown. With moderately fast growth, it will reach between 15 and 20 metres (49 and 66 feet) in height and 8 to 10 metres (26 to 33 feet) in width at maturity. The foliage is deciduous and falls in autumn. The simple leaves, composed of 5 to 9 dentate and pointed lobes, measure 6 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) in length and are carried on long petioles. They are shiny dark green, turning yellow-orange to red-purple in autumn. In May, numerous small white flowers appear in clusters. The creamy-white flowers, with numerous stamens, are highly appreciated by pollinating insects. At the end of summer, they give way to ovoid fruits, brown to reddish-brown when ripe, which remain decorative until winter. The berries, about 1.5 cm (1in) in length, bring joy to birds and small mammals, but are also edible for humans. The bark of this Sorbus is smooth and greyish with clear lenticels, which peel off with age.

This lovely Wild Service Tree, with moderate growth, is well suited for medium to large gardens. Plant it in any soil, from moist to dry, acidic, neutral to alkaline. It will thrive in both full sun and partial shade, but will have more vigorous growth in fertile and deep soil. It has a powerful root system that makes it particularly resistant to strong winds, unlike other species of Sorbus. This beautiful tree has no specific requirements. It will look great as a standalone or in a group, but can also be used as a living hedge, alongside other autumn foliage species such as Prunus, hazelnuts, caramel tree, parrotia, or maples. This long-lived species can live up to 200 years.

Good to know: Sorbus means "to drink" in Latin, alluding to the fruits of the type species which are very astringent and make you thirsty. The wood of the Wild Service Tree is very fine and is used in cabinet-making and turning.