Winterbeam

Sorbus airia

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Sorbus
Species:
Sorbus airia
USDA Symbol:
SOAI

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
1500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun
Bloom Colors:
white

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds
Fall Color:
yellow, orange

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers cool, temperate climates

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification; germination can be erratic. Fresh seed germinates more readily.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Place on damp paper towel in plastic bag for 6 weeks in fridge - should germinate in cold

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society