Practical
Plants

Sorbaria sorbifolia

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Family
Rosaceae
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
deciduous
Woodiness
woody
Height
1.8 m
Spread
3 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

The leaves and the flowers contain the toxin hydrogen cyanide[7]. Some foods, notably almonds, contain small amounts of hydrogen cyanide. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Edible uses

Budlings and leaves - cooked[2]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Plant part
Leaves

Environment

Range
E. Asia - China, Japan, Siberia.
Habitat
In sparse forests at elevations of 250 - 1500 metres in northern China[9]. A garden escape in N. America where it grows in wasteland and copses[10].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 2+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise in late winter. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division of suckers in the dormant season[5]. Root cuttings in late winter[5].

Cultivation

Prefers a rich moist soil[3], but succeeds in any soil of good quality in full sunshine[1]. Tolerates dappled shade[6] but prefers a sunny position[5]. Requires protection from strong winds[6]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[6]. A freely suckering shrub forming low thickets, it grows well in light woodland[4][6]. Make sure you have the space for this plant since it can become invasive[6]. The flowers are generous with their sweet perfume whatever the weather[8]. They hold their fragrance for a considerable time[8].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00

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  3. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

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  4. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

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  5. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

    ↩1↩2↩3

  6. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  7. Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986-00-00

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  8. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

    ↩1↩2

  9. Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/

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  10. Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. 1950-00-00

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