Service tree Sorbus domestica
ABOUT
S. domestica is a tree, up to 20m high, with a domed, open crown and level, spreading branches and orange-tinged brown bark which cracks into small rectangles. Pinnate leaves, 15-22cm long, with 13-21 oblong, partly-serrated, dark yellowish-green leaflets, turn orange-red or yellow in autumn. Domed clusters, about 10cm across, of greyish-cream flowers appear in early summer and are followed by green fruits, 2-3cm long, which are tinged brownish-red on the sunny side and shaped like small apples or pears, in late summer and early autumn
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Service Tree, Sorb Tree, Whitty Pear.
Common names
Pyrus domestica, Sorbus pyriformis
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-50 feet (4.5-15 meters)
Spread
20-35 feet (6-10.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-6
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Wildlife Attraction: Sorbus domestica produces fruit that can attract birds and other wildlife to gardens.
- Erosion Control: The root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its white flowers in spring and colorful fruits in autumn, it adds seasonal interest to landscapes.
- Shade Provider: As a moderately sized tree, Sorbus domestica can offer shade for underplantings or smaller garden spaces.
- Fruit Production: The tree produces edible fruits that can be used in jams, jellies, and other preserves.
- Cultural Significance: The tree has historical significance in various cultures, often used in traditional crafts and woodwork.
- Pollinator Support: Its flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects.
Medical Properties- Diuretic: Sorbus domestica has been traditionally used to promote the production of urine, aiding in the flushing of the urinary tract.
- Astringent: The fruit of Sorbus domestica may have astringent properties, which can help in tightening tissues and reducing secretions.
- Vitamin C Source: The high vitamin C content in the fruit may provide nutritional support for the immune system.
- Antioxidant: Containing various antioxidants, the plant may contribute to neutralizing free radicals in the body.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sorbus domestica wood, also known as Service Tree, is highly valued for its fine grain and is used in woodworking and cabinetry for making durable and attractive furniture.
- Due to its hardness and density, the wood of the Service Tree is suitable for turning on a lathe, making it popular for crafting decorative objects, tool handles, and musical instruments.
- The fruit of the Service Tree can be used to make a traditional jelly or jam in some European countries, often served with meats or cheeses.
- Service Tree fruit is fermented to produce a fruit wine or distilled into brandy, which is a customary practice in parts of Europe.
- In some regions, the dried fruits of the Service Tree are ground to make a flour that can be mixed with cereal flours for baking bread, an ancestral use revisited in niche gastronomy.
- The tannin-rich bark of Sorbus domestica can be utilized in the tanning of leather, a technique used in historical and small-scale artisanal practices.
- The tree's blossoms are a source of nectar for bees, making it valuable for honey production with a distinctive aroma and flavor reflecting the Service Tree’s characteristics.
- Service Tree leaves, being large and dense, can be used as natural mulch in gardens to enrich the soil and suppress weeds.
- In landscaping, the Service Tree is planted for its ornamental value, as it offers showy flowers in spring and vibrant foliage in the autumn.
- The Service Tree's dense canopy provides habitat and food for various bird species, making it an important plant for biodiversity in rural and urban environments.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Service tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Service tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: The Sorbus domestica, commonly known as the Service Tree, has been historically regarded as a plant that offers protection. This belief might have originated from the old practice of planting these trees near dwellings to ward off evil spirits.
- Plenty: The abundant fruit produced by the Service Tree has led to it being a symbol of plenty and abundance. It is often associated with the wealth of the harvest and prosperity.
- Endurance: Because the Service Tree can live for several hundred years and is resilient to many pests and diseases, it has become a symbol for endurance and persistence through hardships.
- Transformation: The fruit of the Service Tree undergoes a significant softening process after a frost, known as ‘bletting,’ before it can be consumed. This unique transformation has made it a symbol of change and adaptation.
- Longevity: Since Service Trees can live for a long time, they are often seen as a symbol of longevity and long life.
WaterThe Service Tree, or Sorbus domestica, prefers a consistent watering schedule, especially during its growing season in the spring and summer. An established Service Tree should be watered thoroughly once a week, allowing for the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. A good practice is to provide about 2-3 gallons of water for young trees every week, adjusting the amount as the tree matures and based on rainfall. During hot or dry periods, water requirements may increase. In winter, reduce watering as the tree enters dormancy.
LightThe Service Tree thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Therefore, planting it in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day is optimal. However, it can tolerate light shade, particularly in the hotter part of the day.
TemperatureService Trees are quite hardy and can handle a range of temperatures; they flourish in temperatures between 50°F and 85°F. It's important to protect them from extreme cold, as they can be damaged in temperatures below -20°F, and from harsh heat above 95°F.
PruningPruning the Service Tree is important to maintain its shape, remove damaged or diseased branches, and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before the new leaves appear. Prune sparingly every 2-3 years to maintain the natural form of the tree.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe Service Tree (Sorbus domestica) prefers a well-draining soil mix with loamy characteristics and abundance of organic matter. Ideal soil pH should be mildly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingService Trees in cultivation, especially young trees, should be repotted every two to three years to encourage growth and renew nutrient availability in the potting mix.
Humidity & MistingService Tree thrives in moderate to high humidity levels; however, it is adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions typical of temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Service Tree difficult indoors; needs ample light, seasonal changes.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil; full sun; protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
6-8 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Sorbus domestica is the Service tree. Its life cycle begins with seed germination, which typically occurs in spring after the seeds have overwintered and undergone stratification. After germination, the seedling grows into a young tree through the vegetative stage, developing a basic root structure and foliage, which can take several years to establish. Following maturity, which can occur after 10-15 years, the Service tree enters the reproductive stage, producing hermaphroditic flowers that are pollinated by insects, predominantly bees. Upon successful pollination, the tree bears pome fruits in autumn, which contain seeds to propagate the next generation. The Service tree is long-lived, with some specimens reaching ages of up to 300 years, through cycles of growth, reproduction, and dormancy correlating with the seasons.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Service Tree, or Sorbus domestica, is traditionally propagated by seed, which is sown in autumn soon after the fruit has ripened. To propagate by seed, the pips should be extracted from the fruit and mixed with moist sand, then kept in a cool place over winter to stratify, which helps break seed dormancy. In spring, once the seeds have undergone stratification, they can be sown in a well-drained seedbed. Seeds may take up to 18 months to germinate due to their hard seed coats, and young saplings require several years of growth before they can be transplanted to their permanent location. This process is the most popular method because it preserves genetic diversity, with each seedling providing a unique individual, which can be important for the sustainability and resilience of the species in a given area.
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