Genus guide
Sorbus — 16 species
Part of the Rose & orchard family family (Rosaceae)
Sorbus is a genus of deciduous trees and large shrubs — including Rowan, Swedish Whitebeam, Wild Service Tree, and True Service Tree — grown outdoors in USDA Zones 3–7 for their ornamental clusters of white flowers and vivid autumn berries. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer consistently moist, well-drained soil; established trees are reasonably drought-tolerant but dislike waterlogged roots. All parts of the plant, particularly the unripe berries, contain parasorbic acid and cyanogenic glycosides that are toxic to cats and dogs.
All Sorbus species we cover
- American mountain ash
- Cardinal Royal rowan
- Kashmir rowan
- Koehne's rowan
- Rossica Major rowan
- Rowan
- Sheerwater Seedling rowan
- Showy mountain ash
- Sorbus 'Joseph Rock'
- Sorbus aria
- Sorbus hupehensis
- Swedish Whitebeam
- Tibetan whitebeam
- True Service Tree
- Vilmorin's rowan
- Wild Service Tree
Sorbus — frequently asked questions
Are Sorbus plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Sorbus are not pet-safe. Of the 16 Sorbus species in the Growli library, 16 (100%) carry a toxic or mildly-toxic ASPCA classification and 0 are pet-safe. Always confirm the exact species on its pet-safety page before trusting it around cats or dogs.
How much light do Sorbus plants need?
Most Sorbus do best in direct sun. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Sorbus easy to care for?
Some Sorbus suit more experienced growers — several want strong light, sharp drainage or a specific seasonal rhythm. Check the individual species page for the exact regime.
How many Sorbus varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 16 Sorbus species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Sorbus, the rest follow closely.
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