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Description
Sorbus Aria Lutescens, also known as Whitebeam or Silver-leaved Mountain Ash, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Europe and can grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide. This tree is popular among gardeners due to its ornamental value and attractive foliage. Its leaves are dark green with a silvery underside, and in the autumn, they turn a golden yellow color before falling from the tree. The flowers of Sorbus Aria Lutescens are small and white, and they bloom in mid-spring. The fruit is a small red or orange berry, which is a favorite among birds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Sorbus |
Appearance
Sorbus Aria Lutescens is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Its leaves are dark green with a silvery-white underside, and they are oval-shaped with a toothed edge. The tree has a broad, rounded canopy and a straight trunk that is gray-brown in color. In the autumn, the leaves turn a golden yellow color before falling from the tree. The flowers are small and white, and they bloom in mid-spring. The fruit is a small red or orange berry, which is a favorite among birds.
Care Guide
Sorbus Aria Lutescens is a relatively low-maintenance tree, but it does require some care to thrive. Here are some tips on how to care for this ornamental tree:
- Water: Water the tree regularly during the growing season, but do not overwater it. Sorbus Aria Lutescens prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate some drought.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in the fall, as it can stimulate new growth that may not have time to harden off before winter.
- Soil: Sorbus Aria Lutescens prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Add compost or other organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility.
- Sunlight: This tree prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not flower as well in shady areas.
- Hardiness Zones: Sorbus Aria Lutescens is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sorbus Aria Lutescens is susceptible to some pests and diseases, including:
- Aphids: These insects can cause the leaves to curl and distort. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
- Sawfly larvae: These caterpillar-like insects can defoliate the tree. Control them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Fire blight: This bacterial disease can cause the leaves and branches to wilt and turn black. Prune affected branches and destroy them to prevent the disease from spreading.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove affected leaves and dispose of them to prevent the disease from spreading.
Habitat
Sorbus Aria Lutescens is native to Europe and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, hedgerows, and rocky areas. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Sorbus Aria Lutescens a good tree for a small garden?
A: Yes, Sorbus Aria Lutescens is a medium-sized tree that can be grown in a small garden. It has an attractive, rounded shape and can add color to any garden.
Q: Do I need to prune Sorbus Aria Lutescens?
A: Sorbus Aria Lutescens does not require regular pruning, but you can prune it to shape it or remove any dead or diseased branches. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before the new growth appears.
Q: Can Sorbus Aria Lutescens tolerate drought?
A: Sorbus Aria Lutescens prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate some drought. Water the tree regularly during the growing season, but do not overwater it.
Q: Does Sorbus Aria Lutescens attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the fruit of Sorbus Aria Lutescens is a favorite among birds.
Related Plants
- Sorbus aucuparia
- Sorbus commixta
- Sorbus decora
- Sorbus torminalis
References
- “Sorbus aria ‘Lutescens’.” RHS. Royal Horticultural Society, n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2021.
- “Sorbus aria ‘Lutescens’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2021.
- “Sorbus aria.” The Morton Arboretum. The Morton Arboretum, n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2021.
