Skip navigation |
BritishTrees [Accessibility Options]

Whitebeam, common

An often planted ornamental garden, park and street tree that is actually quite rare in the wild.

What other names does it have?

Can also be known as
  • Findcholl (Old Irish)
  • Chess-apple
  • Hen-apple
  • Hoar withy
  • Quickbeam
  • Whip-crop
Generic nameWhitebeam
Latin nameSorbus aria
Family nameRose
Latin family nameRosaceae

What type of tree is it?

Is it a broadleaf or conifer?It is a broadleaf
Does it lose its leaves in autumn?Yes, it is deciduous

Species description:

Average height8-15m

Leaf

DescriptionThe thick leaves are irregularly toothed/serrated. The underneath of the leaves is covered in white hair like felt. When the leaves first unfold they look like magnolia flowers and have white hair on the top as well, but this is soon lost
ShapeOval
SizeUp to 12cm long
ColourGreen on top and white underneath
Leaf budGreen and pointed
Leaf stalkShort stalk
Leaf arrangementAlternate
Leaf burst usually occursLate April

Flower, seed, and fruit

Type of flowerClustered/grouped flowers
Flower size1.5cm
Flowering seasonEarly summer
Tree/flower sexBoth sexes
Fruit colourRed
Fruit seasonLate summer
Type of seed bodyBerry
Seeds dispersed by
  • Wildlife

Bark and twig

Bark descriptionSmooth and grey
Twig DescriptionThe shoots are brick red in the sun but greyish green in the shade.

Where is it usually found?

Is it native or non-native to the British Isles?Native
Where is its natural range?Southern England
Preferred soil type or environmental conditions?Prefers alkaline soils and thrives on chalk. But oddly found on acid soils in the Chilterns
What is its British conservation status?Rare

Additional information

Human uses of tree and timberIn the past the wood was widely used for wood-turning and fine joinery, including chairs, beams, cogs and wheels in machinery. The wood is fine-grained, very hard and white. The berries were known as chess-apples in north-west England and are edible when just about rotted

Late spring
Leaves, fruit and twig


Opening leaves

Leaf and flowers

Illustrations supplied by
Collins

Collins Tree Guide