Serviceberry, Medlar
sorbus domestica
Also known as: ["True Medlar","Wild Service Tree"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, valued for its edible fruits and ornamental qualities.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Sorbus |
| Botanical Name: | Sorbus domestica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, prefers slightly elevated or well-drained sites
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loam with added organic matter. Tolerates slightly alkaline to neutral soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate. Remove up to one-third of old wood to stimulate new growth and fruiting.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade but produces better fruit in full sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate young plants to full sun gradually to prevent leaf scorch. Place in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade if in a hot climate. Outdoor placement is ideal for fruit production.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid sudden sun exposure; provide shade during intense midday sun; rotate plant for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid waterlogging, especially in winter; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend with organic matter for fertility; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–7. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates winter cold but requires a dormant period.
Ensure winter dormancy for fruiting; protect from extreme cold; provide shade in summer heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only in spring and early summer; avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce fruit quality; use organic options like compost or well-rotted manure.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed propagation. Stem cuttings are more reliable for preserving cultivar traits.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings in spring.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted. For seeds, collect, cold stratify, then sow in spring.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer for stem cuttings; autumn for seed propagation after fruit collection.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and partial shade for cuttings. Seeds require cold stratification for 3–4 months.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand for cuttings; sterile seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for stem cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seed propagation can take 1–2 years to germinate and establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags or propagator, misting spray bottle, pots.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire branches back to the trunk or main scaffold; heading cuts to shorten branches and encourage lateral growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage fruiting branches. Pruning also improves air circulation and light penetration.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol).
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune in late winter; remove dead/diseased wood; thin crowded branches; shape the canopy.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted as it is usually grown in the ground. If container-grown, repot every 2–3 years to refresh soil and accommodate root growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water well after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, then allow excess to drain away. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure. Incorporate sand or perlite if soil is heavy clay.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in insufficient winter chill.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures induce dormancy, which is necessary for fruiting. However, extreme cold without protection can cause root damage or dieback.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter to insulate roots. Protect young trees with burlap screens in harsh winters.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, reduced fruit set, and wilting, especially if combined with drought stress.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase watering frequency, and use mulch to retain soil moisture during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize in early spring; use balanced fertilizer; avoid late-season feeding; monitor for nutrient deficiencies.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a light dose of nitrogen-rich fertilizer after fruit set. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer to avoid late-season growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSimilar to dogs, the seeds of Sorbus domestica contain amygdalin, which can be mildly toxic to cats if ingested in large amounts. Cats are more sensitive to certain toxins, so caution is advised.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Sorbus domestica contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when ingested. While the fruit is generally safe, large quantities of seeds can cause mild toxicity in dogs due to their smaller body size.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicThe seeds of Sorbus domestica contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when metabolized. However, the concentration is generally low, and toxicity is unlikely unless consumed in large amounts. The fruit itself is edible and has been used for culinary purposes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in excessive quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the fruits of Sorbus domestica edible?
A: Yes, the fruits are edible when fully ripe and have a unique, sweet flavor.
Q: Does Sorbus domestica attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and fruits.
Q: Is Sorbus domestica suitable for beginners?
A: It is moderately challenging to care for, making it more suitable for intermediate gardeners.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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