Sorbus aronioides
Sorbus aronioides is part of the Rosaceae family of plants. It is native to China. They also call it Chokeberry-leaved Whitebeam or in Chinese 毛背花楸 Mao Bei Hua Qiu. Sorbus aronioides is a shrub or a small tree. It grows to 12m or 40ft tall. The common name Whitebeam is due to the silvery look of the backs of the leaves. When the wind blows they turn to show the silvery-white color.
Sorbus aronioides leaves are oval and toothed. The wood is orangish when cut and dries to yellowish color. It is hardwood. They use it in furniture and machinery. It grows clusters of white flowers in late spring. The flowers have prominent stamens. Red ovoid berries follow the flowers. Birds feed on the berries.
How to grow Sorbus aronioides:
Sorbus aronioides are easy to grow. Grow it in the sun or partial shade. Plant it in fertile, moist, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. It grows in most types of soil but prefers more chalky or alkaline soil. It is best to plant Sorbus aronioides in late fall to early spring. Stake the tree when it is young to support against the wind. They like to be kept moist but never water-logged.
