31. Swedish Whitebeam

Rosaceae

Sorbus intermedia

Specimen Size: 34.7ft tall, 17in in diameter.

Location: Northeast corner of Thomson Hall

Historical Background: This tree is a triple hybrid of 3 different species: European mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia), wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis), and whitebeam (Sorbus aria). The wood can be used to make tool handles, but has no significant commercial value.

Non-Native

Native Range: This tree is a hybrid cultivar from Southern Sweden and Denmark

Identifying Features: A hybrid of several types of Ash trees all in the rose family, this tree has some very interesting features. Leaves are generally ovular but with forward facing teeth which become smaller from base to tip of the leaf. The tree demonstrates low apical control, with an open crown of spreading branches. Foliage is dark blueish green on top and milky green beneath. Flowers appear in clusters, somewhat like that of Hawthorn, with 5 white petals.

Identifying Features In Depth:

Form: Generally a small tree, it may achieve heights of as much as 50’ (15m) in unusual circumstances. It has dense foliage but an open growing pattern with low apical control.
Leaves: Leaves are a grayish green on top and milky green beneath. Deciduous, the leaves turn yellow in fall, contrasting the red berries. They are generally ovular but with forward facing lobes/teeth which become smaller and closer together from the base to tip of the leaf. From a distance the tree can appear silvery.
Bark: Generally light gray and smooth with horizontal marks, but in some places cracked into broad fissures that come with age. Here the bark offers a home to mosses and lichens.
Reproductive Bodies: Small creamy flowers with five petals proliferate in large clusters in Spring and give rise to small red berries that persist into fall and winter.

Below is the description found for this species on the original Brockman Memorial Tree Tour:

Historic Tree Tour Information: At the northeast corner of Thomson Hall is a small relative of the common mountain ash: the Swedish Whitebeam. The leaves are green on top and pale grey and hairy underneath. It has small creamy-white flowers borne in tight clusters in April, giving rise to little red berries--especially pretty as the leaves turn yellow in October. It may grow to 50 feet (15 meters) or more in height, but is normally smaller. As its name suggests, it is from northern Europe.

Swedish Whitebeam is grown as an ornamental tree and is valued as an urban street tree. It appears commonly along avenues and in parks. This tree is wind resistant and can be used in windbreaks. It also tolerates salt spray. Birds often forage on the berries on this tree.