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[K]. Up to 15mm in diameter[1].
There are no edible uses listed for Sorbus species.Material uses
There are no material uses listed for Sorbus species.Medicinal uses(Warning!)
There are no medicinal uses listed for Sorbus species.Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Nothing listed.
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[2][3]. If you have sufficient seed it can be sown in an outdoor seedbed[2][3]. Stored seed germinates better if given 2 weeks warm then 14 - 16 weeks cold stratification[4], 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[1], 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. This is a hybrid and so is unlikely to breed true from seed.
Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Sorbus species. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
This record is to cover a series of hybrids of garden origin that belong to the whitebeam section of the genus but have not been placed in a distinct species. The following notes are based on the general needs of this group of plants[K].
Succeeds in most reasonably good soils in an open sunny position[1]. Tolerates light shade[5], though it fruits better in a sunny position[K]. Plants are susceptible to fireblight[5].
A very ornamental tree[11. Plants are apt to die back without any warning[1].Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Sorbus species. 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 species.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Sorbus species
Genus
Sorbus
Family
Rosaceae
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
Herbaceous or Woody
Life Cycle
Fertility
Pollinators
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type
References
- ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.5 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
- ? 2.02.1 Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
- ? 3.03.1 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. ()
- ? 5.05.1 Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-86318-386-7 (1990-00-00)
- ? Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
Facts about "Sorbus species"RDF feed