Whitebeam

Sorbus aria

Layer 2 · Understorey
Edible companion

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Small deciduous tree of the rose family, native to limestone areas of Europe and common in mountains. It produces small red fruits that are edible after being softened by frost, which are also enjoyed by wildlife. In a food forest it occupies the lower tree layer, offering fruit, nectar-rich flowers in spring and shelter for birds.

It is harvested now — September is one of the harvest months.

See which trees whitebeam grows well with

We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.

See the central trees

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Low
Light: Full sun
Size: Small tree up to 8 m
Mature diameter: 6 m
Soils: Loam, Sandy, Limestone
Climates: Hot, dry Mediterranean, Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Mountain / cold

Calendar

January — Planting
February — Planting
March
April
May
June
July
August
September — Harvest
October — Harvest
November — Planting
December — Planting

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: The fruits are edible when bletted or cooked, used for making jellies and traditionally used as an astringent to treat diarrhoea.

Where to buy

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.