Description
Sorbus aria – Whitebeam
Short description: The whitebeam is a native gem that is planted far too rarely: in spring, white flower clusters open; in summer, the upper side of the foliage shines grey-green while the silvery-white underside flashes in the wind—an unmistakable effect. In autumn, bright red berries ripen that attract thrushes and blackbirds, and the foliage turns warm shades of orange. A tree for all four seasons.
Climatic characteristics & site conditions: The whitebeam is native to calcareous sites and is therefore one of the most valuable tree species for the lime-rich soils of southern Germany—ideal locations include the Swabian Jura, the Franconian Jura, and the Muschelkalk regions along the Neckar and Main. It tolerates drought, heat, and poor soils extremely well, making it a highly climate-resilient tree species. It also copes well with urban sites with compacted soils. Hardy and suitable for all southern German locations.
Benefits: Native to calcareous sites, drought- and heat-tolerant, lime-tolerant, four-season appeal, fruit as bird food, low-maintenance, also suitable for urban sites.
Drawbacks: Slow growth, rarer in the trade than other woody plants, not suitable for acidic or waterlogged soils, moderate shade due to an open crown, little known and therefore rarely used.
Tree of the Year 2024!
- Height 6–18 m
- decorative foliage and fruit
- heat-loving, heat-tolerant
- low-maintenance
- hardy & wind-resistant
