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Description
Sorbus Dacica, also known as the Balkan Mountain Ash, is a deciduous tree that is native to the Balkan Peninsula in Europe. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful white spring flowers and red autumn fruits. The tree grows up to 15 meters tall with a broad, round crown and can live for up to 100 years in optimal conditions.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Sorbus |
Appearance
The leaves of Sorbus Dacica are pinnately compound, with each leaflet being oval-shaped and serrated. The tree produces white flowers in the spring that are arranged in clusters, and the fruits are bright red and resemble small apples, which ripen in the fall. The bark of the tree is gray-brown, and the branches are covered in fine hairs when young.
Care Guide
Sorbus Dacica is a hardy tree that is easy to care for. It prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. The tree should be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Fertilizer can be applied in the spring to encourage growth, but it is not necessary. Sorbus Dacica prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sorbus Dacica is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to fire blight, powdery mildew, and aphids. Fire blight is a bacterial disease that causes the leaves and branches to wilt and turn black. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating to form on the leaves. Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and curl. These issues can be treated with fungicides or insecticides.
Habitat
Sorbus Dacica is native to the Balkan Peninsula in Europe, where it grows in mountain forests and rocky areas at elevations of up to 2000 meters. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Sorbus Dacica a fast-growing tree?
A: No, Sorbus Dacica is a slow-growing tree that can take several years to reach its full height.
Q: Can Sorbus Dacica be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Sorbus Dacica can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the tree’s root system.
Q: When is the best time to plant Sorbus Dacica?
A: The best time to plant Sorbus Dacica is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the soil is moist.
Q: Can Sorbus Dacica be used for firewood?
A: Yes, Sorbus Dacica can be used for firewood, but it is not commonly used for this purpose due to its slow growth rate.
Related Plants
- Sorbus aucuparia
- Sorbus aria
- Sorbus domestica
References
- “Sorbus Dacica” – The Plant List
- “Sorbus Dacica” – Flora of North America
- “Sorbus Dacica” – Missouri Botanical Garden
