Sorbus domestica

Service tree is becoming popular in the Czech Republic again. It is believed that hundreds of years ago it was a common fruit tree in warmer parts of the country serving people with delicious and healthy fruit. These days it occurs naturally in České středohoří and south-eastern Moravia. The oldest tree has trunk with girth of 390 cm.

The deciduous leaves are pinnate, dark green and decorative. Clusters of white flowers appear in May and June and are followed by small (only 2-4 cm long) fruit in September. It is yellow and red and tastes best if let ripen for a few days until it softens a bit. Good for desserts, jams and preserves or can be canned.

The tree produces fruit when 10-20 years old (seedlings). This time may be brought forward by a few years by grafting. It sets fruit irregularly, just like many other fruit trees – it needs a rest the odd years. The tree is long-aged – it lives 300-500 years.

Its garden size is about 10 m tall with 10-20 m wide crown. It needs a warm site but is very hardy. Grow it in fertile, preferably drier soil. Withstands pollution. Fully hardy to -30°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 27-09-2008.