trefle.io · Taken May 2, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)
Rosaceae
Chess-apple
Sorbus aria
Also known as Sorbus torminalis, Wild service tree, Hales crab apple
Native Plants · Trees & Shrubs · Whitebeam · Chess-Apple · Deciduous Tree · Ornamental Berries · Wildlife Tree · Chalk Tolerant · Autumn Color · Birds · Native Tree · Small Garden Tree
Chess-apple, or whitebeam, is a handsome deciduous tree prized for its silvery-white leaf undersides in spring and clusters of bright red berries in autumn that attract birds. It is tolerant of chalky, alkaline soils and exposed positions, making it a tough and versatile choice for challenging garden sites. Once established, it needs minimal care and is notably resilient to urban pollution and coastal winds.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 4 hours
- Watering
- Water deeply but infrequently; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings · Every 10-14 days once established
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 6–7.5
- Temperature
- -30°F to 85°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
- Propagation
- Seed
Hardiness
USDA 4a-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 12 in – 3 ft
- Spread
- 2 ft
- Spacing
- 120 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- No
- Foliage
- Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Birds
Sources: trefle, usda
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