Swedish Whitebeam Sorbus hybrida L. 'Gibbsii'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as 'Gibbsii' is an ornamental tree with a beautiful aesthetic appeal, characterized by its rounded and dense crown. This tree is adorned with compound leaves, which are made up of smaller leaflets arranged along a central stem, providing a fine texture to the foliage. The leaves have a deep green color that transitions to vibrant oranges, reds, and purples in the fall, creating a stunning autumn display. In springtime, the tree is covered with clusters of delicate white flowers. These blossoms are attractive and provide a contrast against the green foliage. As the flowering season ends, the tree produces small red-to-orange berry-like fruits that are popular with birds and wildlife, adding to the tree's ornamental value. The fruits may persist into the winter, offering a pop of color even during the colder months. The bark of the tree adds to its overall interest with a grayish-brown color and a smooth to lightly textured surface, providing additional visual interest throughout the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Oakleaf Mountain Ash, Gibbs Hybrid Rowan, Gibbs Ash.
Common names
Sorbus hybrida L. 'Gibbsii'.
ToxicityTo humans
Oakleaf Mountain Ash is generally not known to be a toxic plant to humans. However, consuming large quantities of its berries might lead to mild stomach upset in some individuals. It is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid eating parts of ornamental plants due to potential individual allergies or unknown reactions.
To pets
Oakleaf Mountain Ash is not typically toxic to pets. Its berries, if eaten in large amounts, might cause slight gastrointestinal discomfort in some animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Nevertheless, it is a good practice to discourage pets from eating plants not intended for consumption to avoid possible adverse reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15 feet (4.6 meters)
Spread
20 feet (6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Sorbus hybrida 'Gibbsii', also known as Oakleaf Mountain Ash, has attractive foliage and a pleasing shape, making it a popular choice for landscape design.
- Wildlife support: It produces berries that are a source of food for various bird species, helping to support local biodiversity.
- Seasonal interest: This plant offers visual interest throughout the seasons, from spring flowers to autumn leaf color and winter berries.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Oakleaf Mountain Ash is relatively tolerant of dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold hardy: It is able to withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for planting in cooler climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The wood of Swedish Whitebeam can be used for carving and turning as it has a fine grain that works well for detailed craftsmanship.
- In landscape design, this plant is often used for creating privacy screens due to its dense foliage.
- Swedish Whitebeam berries, while not palatable for humans, can be made into bird food, providing a natural way to attract wildlife to gardens.
- The tree can be planted in urban areas as it is tolerant of pollution and can help in creating green spaces within cities.
- Its flowers provide an essential source of nectar for bees and other pollinators in the spring, supporting local ecosystems.
- Cut branches with berries are sometimes used in floral arrangements, especially during the fall season when the fruits are ripe.
- The dense canopy of Swedish Whitebeam can be utilized to provide shade in parks and gardens, making it a natural sunshade.
- Due to its compact size and robust nature, Swedish Whitebeam can be used in bonsai cultivation for creating miniature landscapes.
- Its leaves can be used as a natural dye in textiles, giving fabrics a range of yellowish-green hues.
- The bark of Swedish Whitebeam can be used in small-scale tanning processes as it contains tannin, though it's not a common use.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Oakleaf Mountain Ash is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Oakleaf Mountain Ash is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Sorbus hybrida L. 'Gibbsii', commonly known as Oakleaf Mountain Ash, is a durable plant capable of withstanding harsh conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and stand firm in the face of adversity.
- Protection: In some cultural beliefs, Mountain Ashes are seen as protective trees, thought to guard against negative energies and malevolent spirits. They symbolize safety and a shield against harm.
- Wisdom: The tree is associated with wisdom and knowledge, potentially linked to the ancient respect for trees and nature's longevity, symbolizing deep understanding and insight.
- Healing: With its restorative qualities, the Mountain Ash is linked to healing and medicinal properties. It symbolizes the power of nature to heal physical and spiritual wounds.
- Beauty: With its elegant form and attractive berries, the Oakleaf Mountain Ash represents an appreciation for the beauty in nature and the splendor of the natural world.
- Balance: Symbolizing the balance between beauty and utility, the Oakleaf Mountain Ash provides both aesthetic pleasure and practical uses, reminding us of the harmony present in nature.
WaterOakleaf Mountain Ash should be watered thoroughly once a week during its first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Once established, it prefers consistent moisture but can tolerate some drought. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely, nor should it be waterlogged. Generally, giving the tree 1 to 2 gallons of water for smaller trees, and up to 4 gallons for larger trees every week during the growing season is adequate. Adjustments may be needed for rainfall, temperature, and soil conditions.
LightOakleaf Mountain Ash thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location provides at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, ensuring healthy growth and good fruit production. Avoid deeply shaded areas, as this can impede the tree's development and reduce its ornamental value.
TemperatureOakleaf Mountain Ash is adapted to a range of temperature conditions and is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7. The tree can withstand winter lows down to around -40 degrees Fahrenheit and is comfortable in summer highs up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season.
PruningPruning Oakleaf Mountain Ash is important for maintaining its shape, encouraging healthy growth, and removing any damaged or diseased limbs. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, typically late winter or early spring. Light pruning can be done annually to shape the tree and thin out dense branches, allowing for better air circulation and light penetration.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Oakleaf Mountain Ash (Sorbus hybrida 'Gibbsii') prefers a well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. A blend of garden soil, compost, and sand can create an ideal environment.
RepottingOakleaf Mountain Ash does not require frequent repotting as it is commonly grown outdoors. It does best planted in-ground rather than in containers.
Humidity & MistingOakleaf Mountain Ash is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Oakleaf Mountain Ash isn't ideal for indoor growth; it needs outdoor conditions.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
Oakleaf Mountain Ash (Sorbus hybrida 'Gibbsii') is suitable for USDA zones 3-7.
Life cycleThe Sorbus hybrida L. 'Gibbsii', commonly known as the Oakleaf Mountain Ash, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires stratification to mimic winter conditions for successful sprouting. The seedlings develop into juvenile plants, characterized by rapid growth and establishment of a strong root system. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, producing compound leaves with an oak-like appearance and elongating its stem and branches annually. The Oakleaf Mountain Ash reaches reproductive maturity in a few years, flowering in late spring to early summer with clusters of creamy white flowers that are attractive to pollinators. Successful pollination leads to the formation of bright red-orange pomes (fruits) that ripen in early fall, providing food for birds and facilitating seed dispersal. The plant continues to go through cycles of growth, flowering, and fruiting for many years, typically experiencing a period of dormancy in the winter before resuming activity in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Sorbus hybrida L. 'Gibbsii', commonly known as the Oakleaf Mountain Ash, is a deciduous tree valued for its attractive foliage and clusters of berries. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by seed. Seed collection should be done in autumn when the berries are ripe. The seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy, which involves mixing the seeds with moist sand and refrigerating them at temperatures around 34 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (1-4 degrees Celsius) for approximately 90 to 120 days. Following stratification, the seeds are sown in pots or a prepared seedbed in spring, covered lightly with soil, and kept moist until germination occurs. Consistent moisture, appropriate sunlight, and patience are necessary as germination can be slow and irregular. Once seedlings have developed true leaves and are of sufficient size, they can be transplanted to their final location in the garden.
