If you can't beat them...

By Jerra

Whitebeam (Sorbus aria)

Until recently all I knew about this was that it was a Sorbus, a relation of the Rowan  (Sorbus aucuparia).  Then a lady called who knew much more about trees than I do and remarked on our fine Whitebeam.

The texture and fine hairs on the emerging leaves always catch my eye.  As a result I blip it at least once every year.   It has the typical flowers of the group - similar to Rowan.  It is native to the south of the country which is perhaps why I am not familiar with it.  Producing a fine white wood it has in the past been used for things as diverse as furniture and cogs (presumably similar to the wooden cogs in old watermills).

Comments
Sign in or get an account to comment.