Sorbus intermedia | Swedish Whitebeam

The Sorbus intermedia is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that is a favourite for landscapers due to its ornamental value and versatility. This tree is characterised by its leaves that are broadly oval, lobed and dark green on top, with grey hairs underneath giving a silverly appearance. The leaves turn yellow and brown in autumn. In May, clusters of creamy-white flowers appear with a pleasant scent, followed by orange-red fruit in autumn. The Sorbus intermedia has a dense head of ascending branches creating an oval crown. This tree will thrive in most well-drained soil, and one of its best attributes is its tolerance to salt air, exposure and wind, making it a perfect choice for coastal areas and windbreaks. It also does well in full sun or partial shade and is resistant to air pollution. This is an extremely popular tree for bees, insects and birds. The Sorbus intermedia 'Brouwers' is a clone that is more reliable and has a uniform pyramidal-shaped crown, often used for avenues and street planting.

Mature Height

10-15m

Tree Features

Smooth, grey, mottled bark.

Dark green, lobed leaves with grey hairs underneath giving a silvery appearance.

Clusters of creamy-white flowers with a pleasant scent.

Orange - red fruit in autumn.

Growing Conditions

All well-drained soil and tolerant of salt air, wind, exposure, air pollution.

Season of Interest

Spring - clusters of creamy-white flowers with a pleasant scent.

Tree Type

Standard, Multistem

Growing Locations

Gardens, Parklands, Avenues, Coastal, Windbreaks, Street Planting,

Evergreen / Deciduous?

Deciduous
Did you know?

The tree is a triple hybrid among the European mountain ash, Sorbus aucuparia, wild service tree, Sorbus torminalis, and whitebeam, Sorbus aria. It is native to north-western Europe but has long been cultivated and is now naturally found in other parts of Europe.