Swedish whitebeam Sorbus intermedia
Swedish whitebeam (Sorbus intermedia) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Rosaceae family, native to Southern Scandinavia and the Baltic. It grows 8–15 m (26–49 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 7 m (23 ft) apart.
Plan Swedish whitebeam in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Swedish whitebeam at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 7 m (23 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: cooked berries (jelly) |
| Native to | Southern Scandinavia and the Baltic |
| Common in gardens of | 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Swedish whitebeam toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: raw berries, seeds
Raw berries contain parasorbic acid; cook before eating.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Swedish whitebeam
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Questions about Swedish whitebeam
- How far apart should I plant Swedish whitebeam?
- About 7 m (23 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Swedish whitebeam need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Swedish whitebeam need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Swedish whitebeam?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Swedish whitebeam flower?
- From about May for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Swedish whitebeam poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Raw berries contain parasorbic acid; cook before eating.
- What grows well with Swedish whitebeam?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Norwegian species and red-list information, Artsdatabanken
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Wind- and salt-tolerant street tree common in Scandinavian cities; leaves grey-felted beneath.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Garden rose Rosa x hybrida
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata