British Native Trees
and Shrubs

Wild Service-Tree Sorbus torminalis (Rosaceae)

This deciduous shrub or small tree is unusual in that it shares characteristics with about three other trees. Growing up to 15 m high with a broad, domed head, it has bark similar to a hawthorn, leaves that at first glance resemble those of a maple, flowers and fruit rather like a rowan. The dark grey bark is smooth at first but becomes lightly fissured and peels in rectangular strips. Winter buds on the twigs are clear green, opening from late April to unfurl variable leaves with five to seven pointed, toothed lobes, the upper ones directed forwards and the more deeply-cut lower pair at right angles. They are shiny above and slightly downy below and can turn crimson in autumn. Open clusters of white flowers appear in May and June, followed by brown oval fruits up to 1.6 cm long which ripen in September and have numerous large but inconspicuous rough pores.

Wild service-tree is found in woodland, scrub and hedgerows but is local and almost confined to clay soils in ancient woods south of a line joining the Humber and Dee estuaries, mainly in the south-east. Towards its northern limits in England it also grows on limestone.

It can be grown as a specimen tree or in a woodland area of the garden. It thrives in sun or semi-shade, although it will fruit and flower best in sun, and most moist but well-drained soils. From Roman times the acid-tasting berries were used as a remedy for colic and dysentery. It may be propagated in the same way as common whitebeam. Germination is variable.

The nectar attracts pollinating flies, and the seeds are often attacked by the grubs of a seed wasp. The whole fruits are relished by birds and mice.

Page last updated - January 10, 2002  

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