20 F L E S H Y F R U I T S F L E S H Y F R U I T S 21 Whitebeam - Sorbus aria Rowan - Sorbus aucuparia owan is found throughout he whitebeam is a native tree which Britain, growing naturally at prefers chalk and lime-rich soils but it R T altitudes of up to 1,000m in also tolerates other soil types. Its ability to Scotland. It is a tree of mountains, withstand pollution means it has become a woodlands and valleys, growing on a widely-planted urban tree, but such trees wide range of soils including chalks, acid soils are often ornamental forms of the wild and even peat. It has been widely planted species and are unlikely to produce rea- in parks, gardens and streets due sonable seed. to its striking red berries (which Its hard, tough wood was used to occur as early as July) and its make machinery cogs. Its overripe autumn foliage. berries can be turned into jelly to Its timber is strong, hard and accompany venison. Whitebeam flexible, leading to its use in tools, carv- was also planted as a boundary ing and for shortbows, which were marker; the white under- favoured mainly by the Welsh. The side of its The leaves have a covering of thick berries can be made into a jelly, which is leaves, white hairs underneath.The excellent with cold game or wildfowl, flashing berries, which are at first green, ripen to bright red. and into a wholesome ‘perry’ or cider. in the The tree has excellent wind, drew attention to the tree. wildlife value, providing fruit for thrushes As with all Sorbus trees, the berries are and blackbirds, which in turn help the tree eaten by birds, while the flowers attract to colonise new areas by eating the seeds insects and white caterpillars of the tiny and dispersing them around the coun- moth Argynesthia sorbiella which feeds on tryside. the shoots and flower buds. Seed Guide: To beat the birds, collect the ripen- Seed Guide: Collect bunches of fruits ing clusters of berries from late August. when they turn crimson. Remove the Carefully remove the seeds from the flesh and seeds from the flesh and wash thoroughly. wash thoroughly. Stratify the seed, usually for Stratify the seed, usually for one winter. In one winter. In cool autumns, ger- cool autumns, germination can be mination can be improved by improved by keeping stratifying seeds at keeping stratifying seeds at room temperature for two weeks, before room temperature for two putting them outside for the winter. Select weeks, before putting them out- and sow germinating seeds in spring. side for the winter. Select and Each leaf consists of numerous sow germinating seeds in spring. Easily confused with: pairs of stalkless leaflets. It has Some Sorbus species, particularly Swedish distinctive red berries. Whitebeam. Easily confused with: Ash, Elder, Walnut. Medium tree (8:12:15) Medium tree (5:8:15) JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Year 1 Collect Stratify Year 1 Collect Stratify Year 2 Sow Grow Plant Year 2 Sow Grow Plant Year 3 Year 3.