Whitebeam

Sorbus aria

Rose family (Rosaceae)

Origin: Europe

Description: Domedc tree up to 25m. Leaves alternate, 5-12cm, ovate with toothed margins, the large teeth curved towards the leaf tip; initially silvery hairy on the upper surface but becoming hairless and bright to dark green, very densely silvery white hairy beneath. Flowers 10-15mm across, white, in branched clusters. Ripe fruit 8-15mm long, scarlet, dotted with small brownish warts and often woolly towards the base.

Comments: Very noticeable when the young leaves open, their silvery hairs giving the tree a distinctive pale appearance.