| Name |
Ornamental
- Sorbus Aria - Whitebeam |
| Cultivation |
Succeeds in most reasonably good soils in an open sunny position. Tolerates
acid sands and thin chalky soils. Does well on heavy clays. Tolerates
light shade, though it fruits better in a sunny position. Very tolerant
of atmospheric pollution and of exposed maritime positions. The plant
prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires
well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid,
neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very
alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.
It requires moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. It can
tolerate atmospheric pollution.
|
| Family |
Rosaceae |
| Genus |
|
| Synonyms |
Common
name: Whitebeam
Pyrus aria, Crataegus
aria, Aria nivea
Hahnia aria var. majestica, S. aria f. aurea, S. aria var. decaisneana,
S. aria var. majestica
Atlas Tree, Common Whitebeam, Meelbes, Mehlbeere, White Beamtree, Whitebeam,
orbus = orphan; |
| Known
Hazards |
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. |
| Range |
Britain.
Europe; German |
| Height |
A
decidious tree growing to 12m by 8m . |
| Habitat |
The
whitebeam is one of the first colonizers of chalk scrub. As well as being
a good pioneer species for this situation, it will often survive through
the development to woodland.
Woodland, Canopy.
Woods and scrub, usually on chalk or limestone
|
| Characteristics |
It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to
October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs)
and are pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife.
There are several
named varieties selected for their ornamental value.
Trees cast a fairly
dense shade when mature.
Regenerating well
after cutting, it is suitable for coppicing.
The fruit is very
attractive to birds.
Plants are susceptible
to fireblight.
|
| Edible
Uses |
Fruit
- raw or cooked and used in preserves etc. The fruit is usually bletted
if it is going to be eaten raw. This involves storing the fruit in a cool
dry place until it is almost but not quite going rotten. At this stage
the fruit has a delicious taste, somewhat like a luscious tropical fruit.
Fruit from some trees has a pleasant mild flavour and a mealy texture,
we like eating small quantities of it. The fruit can also be dried and
ground into a powder and mixed with cereals such as wheat. The fruit is
about 10 - 12mm across.
|
| Medicinal
Uses |
Diuretic;
Emmenagogue; Laxative.
Both the flowers and
the fruit are mildly diuretic, laxative and emmenagogue. An infusion is
used in the treatment of painful menstruation, constipation and kidney
disorders. |
| Other
Uses |
Pioneer;
Shelterbelt; Wood.
Very tolerant of exposed
maritime conditions, it makes a good windbreak tree near the coast.
A useful pioneer species,
especially on chalky soils and in windy situations.
Wood - hard, heavy,
close grained. Used for beams etc. |
| Propagation |
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. If you have sufficient
seed it can be sown in an outdoor seedbed. Stored seed germinates better
if given 2 weeks warm then 14 - 16 weeks cold stratification, 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, 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. |
| Cultivars |
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