Common whitebeam Sorbus aria

Named by the Anglo-Saxons for its silvery white appearance, the common whitebeam is usually found in the south and east of Britain. Once used as a boundary tree, this attractive native is now more often found lining the streets in our towns and cities.

As a native to Britain, it is perhaps no surprise that the common whitebeam was named by the Anglo-Saxons. The German word for tree is 'baum', and the white element comes from the appearance of the tree.

Despite having a green top side, the leaves of Sorbus aria have hundreds of tiny white hairs on the underside that give them a silvery white look. So, when the wind blows through the leaves, the foliage effectively changes colour from green to white and back again.

Because of this distinctive appearance, it was originally planted as a boundary tree although nowadays it is just as likely to be found in towns and cities. Tolerant of shade and pollution, the whitebeam is medium sized at 24m (80ft), and grows in a neatly upright fashion. It is attractive throughout the year, from its May bloom until the fruit and golden leaves of autumn appear.

The flowers emerge appear in May or June once the leaves have unfolded from their green buds. These white blossoms appear in bunches by the leaves and are pollinated by insects, mainly flies.

By October, the fruits have ripened into small, bright red berries. Sharp in flavour, they are not recommended for eating but in days gone by, they were made into a jelly to go accompany venison. In their natural state, however, the whitebeam's berries are readily consumed by wildlife. Squirrels and hedgehogs are happy to feed on them, as are birds who help to continue its lifecycle by dispersing the seeds through their droppings.