107 Species in Genus Sorbus

The Mountain Ash and Its Kin: An Exploration of the Sorbus Genus

My name is Ferb Vu, and I’ve always been drawn to the quiet beauty of trees. There’s a certain stoicism to them, a resilience in the face of changing seasons that I find deeply admirable. Among my arboreal favorites is the Sorbus genus, a diverse group of trees and shrubs commonly known as rowan, whitebeam, and mountain-ash. These hardy plants, with their clusters of vibrant berries and feathery leaves, bring a touch of wildness and charm to any landscape.

A Diverse Family Tree

The Sorbus genus belongs to the Rosaceae family, which also includes roses, apples, and pears. It boasts over 100 species, with a distribution spanning the cool-temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This wide range has led to a fascinating array of adaptations and characteristics. Some, like the European Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia), are small, almost shrub-like trees, while others, such as the Service Tree (Sorbus domestica), can reach heights of over 20 meters.

  1. Sorbus albopilosa T.T.Yu & L.T.Lu
  2. Sorbus americana Marshall
  3. Sorbus amoena McAll.
  4. Sorbus arachnoidea Koehne
  5. Sorbus aucuparia L. Plant FAQs: Rowan Tree – Sorbus Aucuparia
  6. Sorbus bissetii McAll.
  7. Sorbus bulleyana McAll.
  8. Sorbus californica Greene
  9. Sorbus carmesina McAll.
  10. Sorbus cashmiriana Hedl.
  11. Sorbus cibagouensis H.Peng & Z.J.Yin
  12. Sorbus cinereopubescens McAll.
  13. Sorbus commixta Hedl.
  14. Sorbus coxii McAll.
  15. Sorbus decora (Sarg.) C.K.Schneid.
  16. Sorbus discolor (Maxim.) Maxim.
  17. Sorbus dolichofoliolatus X.F.Gao & Meng Li
  18. Sorbus domugledica Kárpáti
  19. Sorbus doshonglaensis Xin Chen, Xiao C.Zhang & C.Q.Tang
  20. Sorbus eburnea McAll.
  21. Sorbus ellipsoidalis McAll.
  22. Sorbus erythrosepala Kainul., Sjöman & Aldén
  23. Sorbus erzincanica Dönmez
  24. Sorbus esserteauana Koehne
  25. Sorbus fansipanensis McAll.
  26. Sorbus faohraei Hedrén & J.Levin
  27. Sorbus filipes Hand.-Mazz.
  28. Sorbus foliolosa (Wall.) Spach
  29. Sorbus forrestii McAll. & Gillham
  30. Sorbus frutescens McAll.
  31. Sorbus gilgitana McAll.
  32. Sorbus glabriuscula McAll.
  33. Sorbus glomerulata Koehne
  34. Sorbus gonggashanica McAll.
  35. Sorbus gongshanensis X.F.Gao & Meng Li
  36. Sorbus gracilis (Siebold & Zucc.) K.Koch
  37. Sorbus hajastana Gabrieljan
  38. Sorbus harrowiana (Balf.f. & W.W.Sm.) Rehder
  39. Sorbus helenae Koehne
  40. Sorbus herculis Kárpáti
  41. Sorbus himalaica Gabrieljan
  42. Sorbus hugh-mcallisteri Mikoláš
  43. Sorbus hupehensis C.K.Schneid.
  44. Sorbus insignis (Hook.f.) Hedl.
  45. Sorbus keenanii Rushforth
  46. Sorbus khumbuensis McAll.
  47. Sorbus kiukiangensis T.T.Yu
  48. Sorbus koehneana C.K.Schneid.
  49. Sorbus kongboensis McAll.
  50. Sorbus kurzii (G.Watt ex Prain) C.K.Schneid.
  51. Sorbus kusnetzovii Zinserl.
  52. Sorbus lanpingensis L.T.Lu
  53. Sorbus lingshiensis Rushforth
  54. Sorbus longii Rushforth
  55. Sorbus lushanensis Xin Chen & Jing Qiu
  56. Sorbus macallisteri Rushforth
  57. Sorbus macrantha Merr.
  58. Sorbus maderensis (Lowe) Dode
  59. Sorbus matsumurana (Makino) Koehne
  60. Sorbus microphylla Wenz.
  61. Sorbus monbeigii (Cardot) N.P.Balakr.
  62. Sorbus muliensis McAll.
  63. Sorbus obsoletidentata (Cardot) T.T.Yu
  64. Sorbus occidentalis (S.Watson) Greene
  65. Sorbus oligodonta (Cardot) Hand.-Mazz.
  66. Sorbus olivacea McAll.
  67. Sorbus ovalis McAll.
  68. Sorbus parva McAll.
  69. Sorbus parvifolia (Blatt.) N.P.Balakr.
  70. Sorbus parvifructa McAll.
  71. Sorbus pontica Zaik.
  72. Sorbus poteriifolia Hand.-Mazz.
  73. Sorbus prattii Koehne
  74. Sorbus × proctoriana T.C.G.Rich
  75. Sorbus pseudohupehensis McAll.
  76. Sorbus pseudovilmorinii McAll.
  77. Sorbus randaiensis (Hayata) Koidz.
  78. Sorbus reducta Diels
  79. Sorbus rehderiana Koehne
  80. Sorbus rinzenii Rushforth
  81. Sorbus rockii P.D.Sell
  82. Sorbus rosea McAll.
  83. Sorbus rubescens McAll.
  84. Sorbus rufopilosa C.K.Schneid.
  85. Sorbus rushforthii McAll.
  86. Sorbus rutilans McAll.
  87. Sorbus sambucifolia (Cham. & Schltdl.) M.Roem.
  88. Sorbus sargentiana Koehne
  89. Sorbus scalaris Koehne
  90. Sorbus scopulina Greene
  91. Sorbus setschwanensis (C.K.Schneid.) Koehne
  92. Sorbus shirinensis Hadač & Chrtek
  93. Sorbus sitchensis M.Roem.
  94. Sorbus splendens Grimshaw & C.R.Sanders
  95. Sorbus subfusca (Ledeb. ex Nordm.) Boiss.
  96. Sorbus sujoyi Ghora
  97. Sorbus tenuis McAll.
  98. Sorbus tianschanica Rupr.
  99. Sorbus tiantangensis X.M.Liu & C.L.Wang
  100. Sorbus tiliifolia H.Zare, Amini & Assadi
  101. Sorbus ulleungensis Chin S.Chang
  102. Sorbus ursina (Wall. ex G.Don) S.Schauer
  103. Sorbus vilmorinii C.K.Schneid.
  104. Sorbus wallichii (Hook.f.) T.T.Yu
  105. Sorbus wilsoniana C.K.Schneid.
  106. Sorbus × yokouchii M.Mizush. ex T.Shimizu
  107. Sorbus zayuensis T.T.Yu & L.T.Lu

More Than Just a Pretty Face

While their aesthetic appeal is undeniable, Sorbus trees offer more than just visual pleasure. Their berries are a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife, particularly during the lean winter months. Historically, humans have also utilized these fruits, making jams, jellies, and even alcoholic beverages from them. The wood of some species, particularly the Service Tree, is prized for its strength and durability, traditionally used in furniture making and tool handles.

A Resilient Spirit

What truly captivates me about the Sorbus genus is its resilience. These trees can thrive in a variety of conditions, from harsh mountain slopes to urban environments. They can withstand strong winds, heavy snowfall, and poor soil. This hardiness, coupled with their ecological and cultural significance, makes them a symbol of perseverance and adaptability.

In a world facing increasing environmental challenges, the Sorbus genus stands as a reminder of nature’s enduring strength. These trees, with their vibrant berries and tenacious spirit, offer a beacon of hope and a testament to the beauty and resilience of the natural world.

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