Whitebeam, Sorbus ariaWild service-tree Sorbus torminalis, Swedish whitebeam Sorbus intermediaThere are many cultivars, which include single-stemmed pyramidal forms, and leaf variants. Sources of seed and plants Whitebeam is native to southern England and Ireland but has been widely planted throughout Britain. It grows naturally in association with ash, beech, dogwood, Field maple, hawthorn and Wych elm. Wild service-tree is native to England and Wales and is common only in Kent and Sussex. The associated species are similar but also include rowan, Wild cherry and the oaks. Swedish whitebeam has been cultivated for a long time in Britain. Silviculture Whitebeam and service-tree are light demanding pioneers but the latter can endure some shade. Whitebeam colonises chalk scrub and often survives the transition to woodland. Soil types Whitebeam occurs naturally on soils derived from chalk and limestone but has been planted on deep acid brown earths. Service-tree grows on clays. Swedish whitebeam is similar to rowan in its requirements. Rate of growth and yield All three species grow quite rapidly at first. Service-tree is the slowest of the three in growth. Whitebeam is the largest tree and reaches 20 metres and sometimes more in height; the other two are smaller. The crowns of all these trees are well provided with foliage, crown width and shape varying with species and cultivar. Whitebeam grown in open scrub generally has a broad crown. Protection and resistance Whitebeam has few damaging insect pests and diseases. All three species are resistant to wind exposure and also tolerate salt-bearing winds and so can be used as edge trees for shelterbelts. Whitebeam and Swedish whitebeam tolerate air pollution and so can be used in towns and industrial areas. Establishing and tending All common sizes of planting stock establish well. All these species fruit regularly and coppice strongly. Service-tree also suckers freely. Timber properties Common whitebeam and Wild service-tree both produce a diffuse-porous wood, with fine even texture. The colour is usually yellowish brown or yellowish red but some whitebeam yield white timber. Usually straight-grained, of medium density (630 kg/m3 seasoned), the timber dries slowly with a tendency to split. The heartwood is perishable. Amenity value Common whitebeam is the characteristic tree of' chalk hills, beautiful in flower and fruit, with white undersides to the leaves. Wild service-tree is rarer but when well grown is very handsome. Swedish whitebeam is another attractive tree in leaf, flower and fruit. Conservation They are all hosts to numerous insects and provide food for birds. Timber value The timber can be used for turnerv and miscellaneous specialised purposes such as handles of cutlery and musical instruments. It makes good firewood, but is rarely available in large sizes. Economic appraisal Not timber trees but they are much used and are deservedly popular in exposed and smoky places in towns and industrial areas. |
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