Service tree
A long-lived fruit tree with white flower clusters in April-May, offering moderate nectar and pollen during the orchard bloom period.
- Nectar
- Medium
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 10-20 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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The service tree is a rare fruit tree that can live for hundreds of years. Its white, five-petalled flowers are borne in broad clusters and, like typical rose-family flowers, have open nectar; honey bees come regularly for nectar and pollen. As it usually grows singly or in small groups, its regional value is limited.
Flowering
It flowers in late April to early May, together with leaf-out, for about 10-14 days. This period coincides with apple and pear blossom and with the time the colony is building up fast.
Honey and pollen
No monofloral honey is produced; it contributes to mixed spring honey and to the pollen stores for brood.
Note for the beekeeper
Current taxonomy has separated it from the genus Sorbus under the name Cormus domestica. Its tolerance of dry, calcareous soil makes it suitable for planting around villages and along field boundaries; its fruit is valuable too.