Sorbus torminalis I Wild Service Tree I Checker Tree

The Sorbus torminalis is a medium deciduous tree native to the UK and Europe. It has an upright rounded form and glossy green leaves similar to maple leaves which turn reddish, yellow and orange in autumn. The Sorbus torminalis has clusters of white flowers in late spring, which once pollinated produce green-brown edible fruits. As it matures it has a textured brown bark that is patterned with cracked square plates that flake off creating a chequered effect. This tree will thrive in most free draining soils and will tolerate some drought, frost and wind. It is a great tree for all wildlife, the flowers providing pollen and nectar for bees and the fruit valuable food for birds. Although once common in Britain the Sorbus torminalis is now quite rare and mostly found in ancient woodlands and hedgerows.