Service Tree
Sorbus domestica
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Pl. 346B — Sorbus domestica
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IOverview
Overview
Service Tree (Sorbus domestica) is a deciduous tree native to the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe regions including Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Spain, and Yugoslavia. Known for its edible fruit, it thrives in moist soils of light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) texture and prefers full sun to partial shade. Growing up to 15 meters tall with a spread of 4.5 meters, this tree is adaptable to hardiness zones 6-10. Its distinctive features include its ornamental white flowers in spring followed by edible fruit that ripens in autumn.
Quick answers
What is Service Tree?
Service Tree (Sorbus domestica) is a deciduous tree native to the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe regions including Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Spain, and Yugoslavia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Service Tree thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-10 and can grow up to 15 meters tall with a width of 4.5 meters. For propagation, you can use seeds or grafting. The fruit is edible and makes this tree a valuable addition to the garden for both its ornamental value and culinary uses.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-10
Mature size
15.0 m × 4.5 m
For first-time growers
How to grow Service Tree for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple Service Tree to gain experience in tree care.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Service Tree sapling, garden gloves, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant the Service Tree in spring or fall when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5; prepare a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling carefully, keeping the roots intact, and water thoroughly after planting.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist; avoid overwatering. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly during dry spells but be careful not to overwater. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the tree annually in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead branches; harvest fruit when ripe, usually in autumn.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular pruning, using harsh chemicals, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Service Tree (Sorbus domestica) is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often consumed fresh but can also be dried for later use. SKIP
Other uses:TanninLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 9 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 9 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 20 native· 9 introduced
Europe20 regions
native (14)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyRomaniaRussiaSpainSwitzerlandUkraine
introduced (6)CyprusItalyPortugalSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
introduced (2)TurkeyUzbekistan
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia
introduced:New South Wales
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 346b0990-5e6a-4eb3-bb2a-fd141fd015be
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