Uses
Toxic parts
The seeds probably contain hydrogen cyanide. This is the ingredient that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. Unless the seed is very bitter it should be perfectly safe in reasonable quantities. 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
Notes
Fruit - raw or cooked in pies, preserves etc[1][2][3][4]. Of poor quality[5]. The fruit turns sweeter and so tastes best after a frost[6]. The fruit is produced in clusters, each fruit being about 6 - 12mm in diameter[7].
Fruit
Material uses
This species is capable of growing in exposed conditions in poor soils[7], and so could be used in re-afforestation as a pioneer plant to provide suitable conditions for other woodland trees to be established[K]. It is rather slow-growing, however, and would only be used in situations where faster species were not so suitable[K].
The berries have been rubbed onto the scalp in order to get rid of lice[8].
Wood - moderately light with little strength, it is of no commercial value[7].Unknown part
Medicinal uses(Warning!)
An infusion of the branches has been given to young children with bed-wetting problems[8].
An infusion of the root and branch bark has been drunk in the treatment of stomach problems and rheumatism[8]. The infusion can also be used externally as a bath for treating rheumatism[8]. A decoction of the root and branch bark has been used as an eyewash[8]. The bark has been chewed in the treatment of colds[8].
An infusion of the branches has been used in the treatment of weak kidneys in order to stop the frequent urination[8].Unknown part
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Pioneer
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[9][10]. If you have sufficient seed it can be sown in an outdoor seedbed[9][10]. Stored seed germinates better if given 2 weeks warm then 14 - 16 weeks cold stratification[11], so sow it as early in the year as possible. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Seedlings are very slow to put on top-growth for their first year or two[12], but they are busy building up a good root system. It is best to keep them in pots in a cold frame for their first winter and then plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring.
Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Sorbus sitchensis. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
Succeeds in most reasonably good soils in an open sunny position[12]. Dislikes dry soils[13]. Tolerates light shade[13], though it fruits better in a sunny position[K]. This species is able to succeed in poor soils and to become established on exposed broken ground[7], it is thus suitable for use as a pioneer species in re-establishing woodland[K].
A slow-growing shrub in the wild, it can sometimes become a small tree up to 9 metres tall[7]. It usually produces abundant crops of fruit every year[7].
Plants are susceptible to fireblight[13].Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Sorbus sitchensis. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.
Polycultures & Guilds
There are no polycultures listed which include Sorbus sitchensis.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Sorbus sitchensis
Genus
Sorbus
Family
Rosaceae
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Environment
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
References
- ? 1.01.1 Elias. T. and Dykeman. P. A Field Guide to N. American Edible Wild Plants. Van Nostrand Reinhold ISBN 0442222009 (1982-00-00)
- ? 2.02.1 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
- ? 3.03.1 Yanovsky. E. Food Plants of the N. American Indians. Publication no. 237. U.S. Depf of Agriculture. ()
- ? 4.04.1 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
- ? 5.05.1 Turner. N. J. Food Plants of Coastal First Peoples UBC Press. Vancouver. ISBN 0-7748-0533-1 (1995-00-00)
- ? 6.06.1 Turner. N. J. and Szczawinski. A. Edible Wild Fruits and Nuts of Canada. National Museum of Natural Sciences (1978-00-00)
- ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.57.67.7 Elias. T. The Complete Trees of N. America. Field Guide and Natural History. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. ISBN 0442238622 (1980-00-00)
- ? 8.08.18.28.38.48.58.68.78.8 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
- ? 9.09.1 Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
- ? 10.010.1 McMillan-Browse. P. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books ISBN 0-901361-21-6 (1985-00-00)
- ? Gordon. A. G. and Rowe. D. C. f. Seed Manual for Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. ()
- ? 12.012.112.2 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
- ? 13.013.113.2 Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-86318-386-7 (1990-00-00)
-
? Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedPFAFimport-60 - ? Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
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