Sorbus mougeotii - Ornamental Fruit - Pyrenean Whitebeam Page

Sorbus mougeotii, also known as Vosges Whitebeam or Mougeot's Whitebeam, is a beautiful and hardy species of whitebeam native to the mountains of central and western Europe. This deciduous shrub or small tree boasts dense, broad ovoid crowns with glossy dark green leaves that are whitish underneath. In late spring, it produces corymbs of 10 mm diameter flowers with five white petals and 20 yellowish-white stamens, which are followed by 10-12 mm diameter bright red fruit in mid-autumn. The seeds from the dryish fruit are eaten and dispersed by birds. Sorbus mougeotii is a tetraploid apomictic species, meaning it breeds true without pollination and has hybrid origins between Sorbus aria and Sorbus aucuparia. It is widely grown as an ornamental tree in northern Europe and is known for its tolerance of urban conditions and difficult soils, making it a great choice for land reclamation schemes and roadside planting.