Scandosorbus intermedia
Swedish Whitebeam
Southern Sweden, the Baltic region, and northern Europe
Overview
Scandosorbus intermedia, long known as Sorbus intermedia, is a deciduous tree reaching 30-50 feet (10-15 m) tall with a dense, rounded to broadly oval crown. The leaves are oval, 3-5 inches (8-12 cm) long, with shallow triangular lobes that deepen toward the base, dark glossy green above and covered with grey to yellowish felted hairs beneath. In late spring it bears flat clusters of white five-petalled flowers 0.4-0.5 inch (10-12 mm) across, followed in autumn by rounded orange-red berries about 0.5 inch (12 mm) wide. The autumn foliage turns yellow to russet before falling. The species reproduces apomictically, setting seed without fertilization, so trees come largely true from seed. It is widely planted as a street and park tree for its tolerance of urban pollution, wind, and coastal exposure. A limitation is its susceptibility to fireblight, a bacterial disease that can kill branches and whole trees in warm, wet conditions.
Native Range
Scandosorbus intermedia is native to southern Sweden, the Baltic region, and nearby parts of northern Europe. It grows in woodland and on rocky ground and has been planted far beyond its native range as an urban tree.Suggested Uses
Scandosorbus intermedia is planted as a street, avenue, and park tree, and in gardens as a medium-sized specimen tolerant of exposure and pollution. The spring flowers supply nectar for insects and the autumn berries feed birds. It is used in coastal and urban plantings where tougher conditions limit other trees.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 50'
Width/Spread20' - 30'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in late spring, usually May, when flat white flower clusters open across the crown. The flowers are followed by green berries that ripen to orange-red by early autumn. The fruit persists into autumn and is taken by birds.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark green above, grey beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight