Sorbus austriaca
Sorbus austriacafam. Rosaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 1219 — Sorbus austriaca
Sorbus austriacaSorbus austriacaSorbus austriacaSorbus austriacaSorbus austriacaSorbus austriacaSorbus austriacaSorbus austriacaSorbus austriacaSorbus austriacaSorbus austriacaSorbus austriacaSorbus austriacaSorbus austriaca
IOverview
Overview
Sorbus austriaca, commonly known as the Austrian whitebeam, is a deciduous tree native to central and southeastern Europe, including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Romania, and Yugoslavia. This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils ranging from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), and it can withstand full sun or partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and reaches a height of up to 10 meters. Known for its edible fruit, which are small white berries that ripen in late summer, this tree also serves as an ornamental addition to gardens due to its attractive foliage and branching structure.
Quick answers
What is Sorbus austriaca?
Sorbus austriaca, commonly known as the Austrian whitebeam, is a deciduous tree native to central and southeastern Europe, including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Romania, and Yugoslavia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sorbus austriaca thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9 and can grow up to 10 meters tall. Propagate via seed or by dividing the roots. The fruit of this plant is edible.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Sorbus austriaca for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Skip to gain experience in growing Sorbus austriaca.
- 1
What you'll need
Skip saplings, garden gloves, spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil; amend with compost if necessary.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant Skip saplings into your garden, spacing them about 4-6 meters apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; mulch around the base.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade and regular watering. Prune in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to remove dead branches and encourage new growth; harvest fruit when ripe.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, neglecting winter protection.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of Sorbus austriaca is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often consumed fresh but may also be dried for later use. The fruit can add a unique flavor to jams, jellies, and other preserves.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 8 native· 1 introduced
Europe7 regions
native (7)AlbaniaAustriaBulgariaGermanyGreeceItalyRomania
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia
introduced:Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Rosaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Rosaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 1219edf1-6d2f-4c7d-9634-4edb3f579a8a
Decision aid
Choosing between Sorbus austriaca and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.