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Wild Service Tree

Sorbus torminalis

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Plant Profile
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Rosales

Family:

Rosaceae (Rose)

Also in this family:

Acute Leaf-lobed Lady's-mantle, Alpine Cinquefoil, Alpine Lady's-mantle, Ampfield Cotoneaster, Arran Service Tree, Arran Whitebeam, Barren Strawberry, Bastard Agrimony, Bastard Service Tree, Bearberry Cotoneaster, Bird Cherry, Blackthorn, Bloody Whitebeam, Bramble, Bristol Whitebeam, Broad-leaved Whitebeam, Broadtooth Lady's-mantle, Bronze Pirri-pirri-bur, Bullace Plum, Bullate Cotoneaster, Burnet Rose, Catacol Whitebeam, Caucasian Lady's-mantle, Cheddar Whitebeam, Cherry Laurel, Cherry Plum, Chinese Photinia, Cloudberry, Clustered Lady's-mantle, Common Agrimony, Common Hawthorn, Common Lady's-mantle, Common Medlar, Common Ninebark, Common Whitebeam, Crab Apple, Creeping Chinese Bramble, Creeping Cinquefoil, Crimean Lady's-mantle, Cultivated Apple, Cultivated Pear, Cut-leaved Blackberry, Damson, Devon Whitebeam, Dewberry, Diel's Cotoneaster, Dog Rose, Doward Whitebeam, Dropwort, Elm-leaved Bramble, English Whitebeam, Entire-leaved Cotoneaster, False Salmonberry, Field Rose, Firethorn, Fodder Burnet, Fragrant Agrimony, Franchet's Cotoneaster, Garden Lady's-mantle, Garden Strawberry, Giant Meadowsweet, Glaucous Dog Rose, Goatsbeard Spiraea, Gough's Rock Whitebeam, Great Burnet, Greengage Plum, Grey-leaved Whitebeam, Hairless Lady's-mantle, Hairy Lady's-mantle, Hautbois Strawberry, Himalayan Blackberry, Himalayan Cotoneaster, Himalayan Whitebeam, Hoary Cinquefoil, Hollyberry Cotoneaster, Hupeh Rowan, Hybrid Cinquefoil, Hybrid Geum, Irish Whitebeam, Japanese Cherry, Japanese Quince, Japanese Rose, Jew's Mallow, Juneberry, Lancaster Whitebeam, Late Cotoneaster, Least Lady's-mantle, Least Whitebeam, Leigh Woods Whitebeam, Ley's Whitebeam, Liljefor's Whitebeam, Littleleaf Cotoneaster, Llangollen Whitebeam, Llanthony Whitebeam, Lleyn Cotoneaster, Loganberry, Many-flowered Rose, Margaret's Whitebeam, Marsh Cinquefoil, Meadowsweet, Midland Hawthorn, Mougeot's Whitebeam, Mountain Ash, Mountain Avens, Mountain Sibbaldia, Moupin's Cotoneaster, No Parking Whitebeam, Ocean Spray, Orange Whitebeam, Pale Bridewort, Pale Lady's-mantle, Parsley Piert, Pirri-pirri-bur, Plymouth Pear, Portuguese Laurel, Purple-flowered Raspberry, Quince, Raspberry, Rock Cinquefoil, Rock Lady's-mantle, Rock Whitebeam, Round-leaved Dog Rose, Round-leaved Whitebeam, Rum Cherry, Russian Cinquefoil, Salad Burnet, Sargent's Rowan, Scannell's Whitebeam, Service Tree, Sharp-toothed Whitebeam, Sherard's Downy Rose, Shining Lady's-mantle, Ship Rock Whitebeam, Short-styled Rose, Shrubby Cinquefoil, Silver Lady's-mantle, Silverweed, Slender Parsley Piert, Slender-spined Bramble, Small-flowered Sweetbriar, Small-leaved Sweetbriar, Soft Downy Rose, Somerset Whitebeam, Sorbaria, Sour Cherry, Southern Downy Rose, Southern Lady's-mantle, Spineless Acaena, Spring Cinquefoil, St. Lucie's Cherry, Steeplebush, Stern's Cotoneaster, Stirton's Whitebeam, Stone Bramble, Sulphur Cinquefoil, Swedish Service Tree, Swedish Whitebeam, Sweet Briar, Symond's Yat Whitebeam, Tengyueh Cotoneaster, Thimbleberry, Thin-leaved Whitebeam, Tibetan Cotoneaster, Tormentil, Trailing Tormentil, Tree Cotoneaster, Trefoil Cinquefoil, Twin-cliffs Whitebeam, Two-spined Acaena, Wall Cotoneaster, Water Avens, Waterer's Cotoneaster, Waxy Lady's-mantle, Welsh Cotoneaster, Welsh Whitebeam, White Burnet, White's Whitebeam, White-stemmed Bramble, Wild Cherry, Wild Pear, Wild Plum, Wild Strawberry, Willmott's Whitebeam, Willow-leaved Bridewort, Willow-leaved Cotoneaster, Wineberry, Wood Avens, Wye Whitebeam, Yellow-flowered Strawberry

Type:

Deciduous tree

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

30 metres tall

Habitats:

Hedgerows, parks, riverbanks, waterside, woodland.

Flower:

White, 5 petals

The flowers of the Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis) are small, cream to pale yellow in color, and have a delicate, subtle fragrance. They typically bloom in clusters, creating a charming display during the flowering season in the United Kingdom. Insect-pollinated.

Fruit:

The fruit of the Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis), known as "sorb," is typically a reddish-brown or dark brown berry-like drupe. Each drupe contains a single seed, and they are often harvested in the UK for making jellies and alcoholic beverages. The fruit has a slightly tart and astringent taste when ripe. It fruits in September. The fruit are sometimes called 'chequers'.

Leaves:

Alternate, palmately lobed and short-stalked with finely serrated margins. The jagged-looking leaves have 3 to 4 unequal lobes. The leaves turn crimson red or brown in autumn before falling. Wild Service Tree is a rare tree which can be found in ancient Limestone woodlands containing Ash and Alder trees. It is more common in the south of England and almost totally absent in Scotland. It used to be more common many years ago.

Aroma:

The Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis) has delicate, sweetly fragrant blossoms with a subtle and pleasant aroma. The scent of its flowers is often described as mild and inviting, adding to the tree's charm during the blooming season in the United Kingdom.

Other Names:

Checker Tree, Checkers, Chequers, Griping Tree, Sorb.

Frequency (UK):

Unusual

Summary

Sorbus torminalis, commonly known as the wild service tree, is a species of deciduous tree in the rose family. It is native to Europe and western Asia, and is typically found in woodlands and along riverbanks. The tree can reach a height of up to 30 meters and has a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are dark green and lobed, and the tree produces clusters of small, white flowers in the spring, followed by small, round, red-brown fruit. The wood of the tree is hard and durable, and has been used for furniture, tool handles, and other wooden objects.

Blog

The Wild Service Tree, Sorbus torminalis, is a species of deciduous tree that is native to Europe and western Asia. It is a member of the Rosaceae family and is closely related to the rowan tree. The Wild Service Tree is a slow-growing, long-lived tree that can live up to 400 years, and it is prized for its attractive foliage and fruits.

Description

The Wild Service Tree typically grows to a height of 15-20 meters, with a trunk diameter of up to 50 cm. It has a dense, spreading crown that is made up of ascending branches. The tree's leaves are oval-shaped, with a serrated edge and a glossy, dark green surface. In the autumn, the leaves turn a rich, golden yellow before falling to the ground.

The Wild Service Tree also produces small, white flowers in the spring, which are followed by clusters of brownish-red fruits in the autumn. The fruits are around 2-3 cm in diameter and are edible, although they are quite sour and astringent when eaten raw. They are often used in the production of jams, jellies, and liqueurs.

Ecology

The Wild Service Tree is a hardy species that can tolerate a range of soil types, from heavy clay to light sandy soils. It prefers moist, well-drained soils, and is often found growing in woodlands, hedgerows, and along riverbanks. The tree is also able to grow in urban environments and is a popular choice for parks and gardens.

The Wild Service Tree is an important habitat for a range of wildlife, including birds, insects, and mammals. The tree's flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while its fruits provide a valuable food source for birds and small mammals such as squirrels.

Cultural Significance

The Wild Service Tree has played an important role in European folklore and traditional medicine for centuries. The tree's fruits were used in traditional remedies to treat a range of ailments, including digestive complaints, respiratory problems, and skin conditions.

In addition to its medicinal properties, the Wild Service Tree was also believed to have magical properties in some cultures. In British folklore, for example, it was said that a sprig of Wild Service Tree hung above the door would ward off witches and evil spirits.

Conservation

Despite its cultural significance and ecological importance, the Wild Service Tree is considered to be a rare and declining species in many parts of its range. The tree's decline is thought to be due to a combination of factors, including habitat loss, intensive agriculture, and climate change.

In order to protect the Wild Service Tree and ensure its survival, conservation measures are needed, such as the protection of existing trees and the planting of new ones in suitable habitats. The Wild Service Tree is also listed as a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, which aims to conserve the UK's most threatened species and habitats.

In conclusion, the Wild Service Tree is a fascinating and important species that deserves our attention and protection. With its attractive foliage, edible fruits, and ecological significance, the Wild Service Tree is a valuable asset to our environment and culture. By working to conserve and protect this species, we can ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy its many benefits.

More about Wild Service Trees

The Wild Service Tree has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The tree's leaves and fruits were used in the treatment of various ailments, including diarrhea, fever, and respiratory infections. The astringent properties of the fruits made them particularly useful in treating gastrointestinal problems, and they were often used to make a tea or infusion.

In addition to its medicinal uses, the Wild Service Tree has also been used in the production of timber and charcoal. The wood of the Wild Service Tree is hard and durable, and was traditionally used for making tool handles, furniture, and flooring. The tree's dense wood also made it a popular choice for making charcoal, which was used for fuel and as a source of black pigment for artists.

The Wild Service Tree is also a popular ornamental tree, prized for its attractive foliage, showy flowers, and colorful fruits. The tree is often planted in parks and gardens, and is particularly well-suited to woodland and informal planting schemes.

Despite its many uses and cultural significance, the Wild Service Tree is considered to be a threatened species in many parts of Europe. The tree's decline is due to a combination of factors, including habitat loss, overgrazing, and the spread of invasive species. In order to protect the Wild Service Tree and ensure its survival, conservation measures are needed, such as the protection of existing trees and the planting of new ones in suitable habitats.

The Wild Service Tree is a fascinating and important species that has played an important role in European culture and ecology for centuries. With its many uses and cultural significance, the tree is a valuable asset to our environment and heritage. By working to conserve and protect this species, we can ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy its many benefits.

The Wild Service Tree has also been used in the production of alcoholic beverages. The tree's fruits, which are high in sugar and acid, are used to make a range of alcoholic drinks, including wine, cider, and brandy. In some regions, the fruits are also used to make a liqueur known as "sorbino".

The Wild Service Tree has also been the subject of research due to its potential health benefits. The fruits are a rich source of antioxidants, and have been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The tree's leaves and bark also contain a range of bioactive compounds that are being investigated for their potential medicinal properties.

The Wild Service Tree is a species that is well-suited to agroforestry systems, which combine the cultivation of trees with agriculture. The tree's ability to tolerate a range of soil types and growing conditions makes it a good candidate for integrating into farmland, where it can provide a range of benefits, including soil conservation, biodiversity, and improved microclimate.

In addition to its ecological and economic benefits, the Wild Service Tree also has cultural significance in many regions. In some parts of Europe, the tree is associated with fertility and abundance, and its fruits are sometimes used in fertility rituals. The tree's wood has also been used in the production of traditional musical instruments, such as flutes and whistles.

The Wild Service Tree is a fascinating and versatile species that has played an important role in European culture, ecology, and economy for centuries. With its many uses and potential benefits, the tree is a valuable resource that deserves our attention and protection. By working to conserve and plant more of this species, we can ensure that it continues to provide a range of benefits to our society and environment.

The Wild Service Tree has a unique and fascinating history that goes back thousands of years. The tree was highly valued by the Romans, who used the fruits in a variety of ways, including as a source of sugar and as a remedy for dysentery. The tree's Latin name, Sorbus torminalis, is thought to be derived from the Latin word for "dysentery", which reflects its historical use.

In medieval times, the Wild Service Tree was an important species for the production of ink. The fruits, which contain a high level of tannins, were used to make a black ink that was highly prized by scribes and artists.

The Wild Service Tree has also played a role in folklore and mythology. In some cultures, the tree is associated with fertility, and its fruits were sometimes used in love spells. In other cultures, the tree was believed to have magical properties, and was often associated with healing and protection.

Today, the Wild Service Tree faces a number of threats, including habitat loss, overgrazing, and the spread of invasive species. However, there are many efforts underway to protect and conserve this valuable species. In some regions, the tree is being actively planted and managed, while in others, conservation groups are working to protect existing trees and their habitats.

In addition to its ecological and cultural value, the Wild Service Tree is also an important species for researchers and scientists. The tree's genetic diversity and unique biochemistry make it a valuable resource for developing new medicines and plant-based products.

In conclusion, the Wild Service Tree is a fascinating and valuable species that has played an important role in European culture, ecology, and economy for centuries. With its many uses and potential benefits, the tree is a valuable resource that deserves our attention and protection. By working to conserve and plant more of this species, we can ensure that it continues to provide a range of benefits to our society and environment.

Video

A Wild Service Tree filmed at Haigh Hall in Lancashire on the 29th August 2023.

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Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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Wild Service Tree

Contents

Plant Profile

Other Information