Scandosorbus intermedia aka Swedish Whitebeam

Scandosorbus intermedia also goes by the name Swedish whitebeam. These sources use the name Sorbus intermedia. This tree sheds its leaves and belongs to Rosaceae, the rose family. It comes from northwestern Europe, but is not native to Britain or Ireland. Its range includes Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. It also grows in Russia’s Kaliningrad region. It forms a mid-sized tree with a wide, dense crown.

Garden trees reach about 26–39 feet [8–12 metres] tall. The crown can spread beyond 26 feet [8 metres]. RHS states that trees reach maturity in 20–50 years. The broad, oval leaves have deep lobes and dark green blades. In spring, the tree bears groups of white flowers. Red fruit follows in autumn, giving interest in a second season. PFAF records fruit up to about half an inch across. The fruit grows in large clusters.

Grow this tree in full sun or partial shade. It suits soil with a fair level of nutrients and plenty of humus. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sand across the pH range. Give it soil that drains well but still holds some moisture. It also copes with dry sites and polluted air. Both exposed and sheltered sites suit it. RHS rates its hardiness H6, while PFAF lists USDA zones 4–8. It copes with sea exposure, which makes it useful near coasts.

Swedish whitebeam can help form a belt of shelter trees. It can also form part of a woodland canopy. Clip it often to form a dense hedge that sheds its leaves. Its leaves drop in winter, so the screen lasts part of the year. It suits informal gardens and draws wildlife. Aphids, scale insects, and pear blister mites may attack it. Red spider mites and sawfly larvae can also cause trouble. Diseases may include fireblight and apple canker. Silver leaf and honey fungus may also occur. Sow seed outdoors in autumn to grow new trees. Other ways to grow it include summer cuttings or budding. Winter grafting is another option.

The sources disagree on whether people can eat the fruit. PFAF lists it as edible, either raw or cooked. It reports a mild taste, some bitterness, and mealy flesh. RHS instead warns people and pets not to eat it. PFAF also warns that the seeds probably contain hydrogen cyanide. Too much of this substance can cause severe poisoning. These accounts conflict, so they do not establish that the fruit is safe. PFAF records no known medicinal uses.