Sorbus torminalis
- Height: up to 15 m
- Trunk: initially smooth, grey bark; later dark brown, longitudinally fissured bark that peels off in small plates; often multi-stemmed or shrub-like
- Crown: broad, rounded, and open
- Leaves: alternate, broadly oval, maple-like lobed (6–10-lobed), irregularly serrated margin, approx. 5–10 cm long, leathery, upper surface glossy dark green, lower surface pale green, long-stalked, deep red in autumn
- Buds: small, spherical, and bright green to yellowish, sticky
- Flowers: creamy-white flowers in upright, broad, umbel-like inflorescences, fragrant, appearing with/after leaf emergence, in April/May
- Fruits/Seeds: small, 1–2 cm in size, egg-shaped to roundish, brownish apple-like fruits in clusters; ripen in October; sweet-tart, slightly mealy
- Other: heat-loving and drought-tolerant; important source of nectar for bees and food for birds
Photos: Thomas Stephan (1,2,3)