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Description
Sorbus Mougeotii, also known as Mougeot’s Whitebeam, is a rare species of deciduous tree that belongs to the Rose family (Rosaceae). It is native to the Pyrenees mountains in France and Spain, where it grows in rocky and dry habitats. The tree can reach a height of up to 15 meters and has a rounded crown. It produces clusters of white flowers in late spring, followed by small red fruits in autumn. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and serrated, turning yellow or reddish-orange in autumn.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Sorbus |
| Species | Mougeotii |
Appearance
The Sorbus Mougeotii tree has a distinctive appearance, with a rounded crown and a straight trunk that can reach a diameter of up to 60 centimeters. The bark is smooth and gray, becoming rougher and darker with age. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and serrated, with a length of up to 10 centimeters and a width of up to 6 centimeters. In autumn, they turn yellow or reddish-orange, adding a striking color to the landscape. The tree produces clusters of white flowers in late spring, which are followed by small red fruits in autumn.
Care Guide
Sorbus Mougeotii is a hardy tree that can tolerate a variety of growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in winter.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring, just before new growth appears. Repeat every six to eight weeks during the growing season.- Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Amend heavy or compacted soil with organic matter to improve drainage.- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can reduce flowering and fruiting.- Hardiness Zones: Sorbus Mougeotii is hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 8, which means it can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sorbus Mougeotii is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some issues that can affect this plant:- Fire blight: This bacterial disease can cause twig and branch dieback, as well as cankers and oozing sap. Remove infected branches and avoid overhead watering.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves and shoots, as well as stunted growth. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.- Aphids: These small insects can suck sap from the leaves and shoots, causing distortion and yellowing. Spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
Sorbus Mougeotii is native to the Pyrenees mountains in France and Spain, where it grows in rocky and dry habitats. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The tree is rare in cultivation and can be difficult to find in nurseries.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Sorbus Mougeotii tolerate drought?
A: The tree can tolerate some drought, but it prefers evenly moist soil.
Q: How fast does Sorbus Mougeotii grow?
A: The tree is a slow grower, typically adding 1 to 2 feet of height per year.
Q: Is Sorbus Mougeotii deer-resistant?
A: The tree is somewhat resistant to deer browsing, but it may still be damaged in severe cases.
Q: Can Sorbus Mougeotii be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the tree can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in mid-summer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Sorbus Mougeotii:- Sorbus aucuparia (European Mountain Ash)- Sorbus commixta (Japanese Rowan)- Sorbus hupehensis (Hubei Rowan)- Sorbus vilmorinii (Vilmorin’s Rowan)
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Sorbus Mougeotii. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277573- Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Sorbus Mougeotii. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/42788/Sorbus-Mougeotii/Details- The Morton Arboretum. (n.d.). Sorbus Mougeotii. Retrieved from https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/sorbus-mougeotii
