Sorbus X Thuringiaca (Bastard Service Tree) 'Fastigiata'

Sometimes referred to as Sorbus hybrida, this highly useful urban tree retains the prettiness of Sorbus aucuparia and the toughness of Sorbus aria, its parents.

A winner of the Award of Merit in 1924, this tree can get to beyond 10 metres if given the space.

The best examples I have seen of this tree are at Calderstones Park in Liverpool, where they have been left long enough, and been given the space to express themselves.

This small tree is columnar when young, but becomes broadly oval as it matures.

It is really tough and is well suited to urban plantings, withstanding air pollution very well.

It is fine as a street tree and in restricted areas.

Clusters of white flowers in spring are followed by bunches of red berries by September.

The green/grey foliage can turn a magnificent orange in the autumn.

Some recognise this as fastigiate Sorbus intermedia and overlook this clone because of its indigestible name.

Mature height: 7-10m