Cormus domestica (= Sorbus domestica)

True Service-tree

Physical Traits & Growth

Typical max. heightiMaximum height in typical conditions, in metres. Full data also shows maximum achievable height in exceptional conditions.:
20m 5
15-20m, rarely to 30m 6
24m 7

Max. canopy widthiLikely maximum horizontal width of the canopy, in metres: Domed 3, over 12m wide 2

Size of shadowiSize of shadow based on a fully grown tree, categorised as low, medium or high: Moderate (226 sqm)

Canopy densityiShading intensity of the canopy when in full leaf. Categorised from open to dense.: Moderately open 5

Leaf emergenceiTime of leaf emergence, categorised as very early, early, late, or evergreen: Early (Apr to Nov 1)

Growth rateiHow quickly the tree grows during establishment. Categorised as low, moderate or high, with very high used in exceptional cases.: Low to moderate 10

LongevityiExpected lifespan of the tree: Often 200 years, sometimes 400 years 23

Management & Systems

Approach to silvicultureiCoppicing and pollarding ability: Unknown

Establishment requirementsiCommon requirements to establish the tree:
Difficult to establish, young trees prone to stem cankers 6
Requires regular weed control 6

Management requirementsiCommon long-term management needs such as pruning. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Minimal or no pruning 1

Pruning timeiOptimal season for pruning: Late winter to early spring 2

Cormus syn Sorbus domestica, Stomaž, Sežana, Slovenia/ Octopus/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

Products & Economy

Food productsiCommon food products such as fruits and nuts: Fruits can be used for jams and drinks 2

Wood productsiCommon wood products, including timber, turnery, and pulp:
High value for specialised durable products 2
Max YC 8 4

BiomassiCommon biomass products such as fuelwood: –

Speciality productsiOther speciality and niche products: Traditional medicine 2

Time until market (food)iNumber of years until the tree produces food products: Around 10 years 7

Time until market (timber)iNumber of years until the tree produces wood products: Unknown

Ecology & Utility

Nutrient and organic matter accumulationiRough estimate of soil-improving properties, with larger and deeper-rooting trees predicted to have higher value. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: High – deep roots and moderate canopy area

Nitrogen fixationiNitrogen-fixing properties, categorised as yes or no: No

High carbon sequestrationiAll trees sequester carbon, but faster-growing, larger trees generally have higher sequestration potential.:
Short-term (20 years): Likely moderate
Medium-term (40 years): Likely moderate
Long-term (60 years): Likely low

Native status in the UKiCategorised as native, long-established, or recent introduction.: Probably native 1

High wildlife valueiMost trees are likely to be of some value to wildlife, but some trees are of generally higher value to various wildlife groups:
Likely moderate 5
Highest value for leaf litter, blossom, and seeds 5

Pollinators

Flowering period (pollinator benefit)iTypical flowering months: Apr-Jun 1

High pollen and nectar value for pollinatorsiValue of flowers to pollinators: Likely moderate to high 1

Susceptibility & Risks

Risk of toxicity to livestockiReported potential toxicity to livestock, categorised as yes or no. Toxicity is complex and often context-specific.: None known

Risks to farming operationsiOther risks such as suckering roots, very large tree size, secondary host for aphids, and flammability: Freely suckers 4

Disease susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to diseases, e.g. fungal and bacterial disease:
Moderate
Young trees prone to stem cankers 5
May be susceptible to fireblight, apple canker, silver leaf and honey fungus 2

Invertebrate pest susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to invertebrate pests, e.g. aphids and other insects:
Low to moderate
May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, pear blister mite, red spider mite and sawfly larvae 2

Vertebrate damage susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to vertebrate pests, e.g. squirrels and deer:
High
Susceptible to deer browsing 5