![](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/species/cormier1.jpg?d=128x128)Sorb tree: Meaning & Use ============================ The **Sorb Tree** also known as *sorbus domestica* is a species of the **Rosaceae family** which has been somewhat forgotten and is today quite rare. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ### Sorb tree A post-pioneer species, the Sorb Tree, or *Sorbus domestica*, is found mainly in Europe, south-west Asia and north-west Africa. The Sorb Tree originally grew all around the Mediterranean and was dispersed to the rest of Europe during the Roman Empire. [ Become a Tree Owner ](https://ecotree.green/en/treeshop) ### Why does EcoTree plant Sorb Trees? Sorb trees are planted to form **defensive hedges**, but the thorny branches of these trees can be a deterrent to some birds. Birds might be attracted by the fruit, but it is too acidic for them. What's more, Sorb Trees are hardy **trees that can grow in difficult conditions**, such as poor soil. From an ecological point of view, Sorb Trees can be **valuable to local wildlife**, providing shelter and perches for birds, as well as habitats for many insects. Their fruit, although inedible for humans, can be a **source of food for small mammals and birds**. ### Sorb tree - Overview ### Sorb tree - Overview It is a tree that bears fruit in its southern biotope, which is a biological environment with homogeneous living conditions. The Sorb Tree is a species that hardly exceeds 10 to 12 meters in height and a trunk diameter of 30 to 45 cm. However, as it climbs higher up into the more humid **regions, with their richer soils**, its circumference doubles and, in the forest, it can just about match the largest trees. It is a tree with **orange-brown bark**, which resembles that of the Oak. Its **leaves are toothed** only on the upper two-thirds and, in autumn, its dark green turns a beautiful golden-red. Its buds are large and slimy, and its white flowers are arranged in bouquets. Its **fruits are green with reddish-brown spots** when ripe, and can resemble small apples or pears. They are **not edible for humans** but are very **popular with small mammals**, especially badgers. Read moreRead less ![Sorb tree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/species/cormier2.jpg?d=128x128) ### Sorb tree - Species requirements The Sorb Tree has **high light requirements**, although it prefers light shade to full sun. It **adapts everywhere, provided there is enough room**. This fast-growing species is capable of developing a large crown. The Sorb Tree tolerates drought well, even in chalky soils, but is highly resistant to damp soils. ### Wood from the Sorb Tree Sorb Tree wood can be used for a variety of purposes. It is one of **France's hardest native woods**. It has been prized for many years for making barrels, currying tools and tracing and measuring tools. This wood is also used in **agroforestry to protect vines from the sun thanks to its light foliage** or to encourage the development of truffles, as the horn releases carbon as it decomposes. ### The symbolism of Sorb Tree The **Sorb Tree** symbolises **the tree of life** or **giver of life**. In ancient times, the berries of the Sorb Tree were the food of the gods. It is a talisman against lightning and therefore against spells. The "witch's hand", used to uncover metals, was always made of wood from Sorb Tree. A whip with a handle of wood from Sorb Tree was used to tame bewitched animals. Lambs had to pass through a Sorb Tree circle as soon as they were born, and a stick from a Sorb Tree was planted in the middle of pastures to protect flocks. ### Our selection of trees Our goal is to enable anyone to do something that benefits nature and helps us to live in a more harmonious world. So why not become a tree owner in a European forest and help combat climate change? ![](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/03/ce5cad33d398c64660049172e8b613be029cb4cc.jpeg?d=240x135) ![Flag FR](https://img.ecotree.green/graphism/flags/fr.svg) [See in detail](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7597) [Scots Pine](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7597) €19 Age: 0 to 2 years old Priziac forest Morbihan, Brittany, France Add to cart ![](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/7dd1f2c5ff51671795d5dec4531a6a99764af791.png?d=240x135) ![Flag FR](https://img.ecotree.green/graphism/flags/fr.svg) New forest [See in detail](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7600) [Red Cedar](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7600) €19 Age: 0 to 2 years old Priziac forest Morbihan, Brittany, France Add to cart ![](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/06/2f60b76e83da6c102095370a2730d98af49ee6cf.jpg?d=240x135) ![Flag FR](https://img.ecotree.green/graphism/flags/fr.svg) [See in detail](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7602) [Sitka Spruce](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7602) €19 Age: 0 to 2 years old Priziac forest Morbihan, Brittany, France Add to cart Please note that this is promotional communication. See our [notice of information](https://ecotree.green/en/notice-of-information). [ See our trees ](https://ecotree.green/en/treeshop) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Adrian has started a [subscription of 1 tree in France](/en/grow-your-own-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)graham has started a [subscription of 1 tree in France](/en/grow-your-own-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Raphaël has started a [subscription of 2 trees in Denmark](/en/grow-your-own-danish-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Chloe has started a [subscription of 3 trees in France](/en/grow-your-own-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Heta has started a [subscription of 1 tree in Denmark](/en/grow-your-own-danish-forests) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/8e3234eacf71bb2085beceff67aacd75fe0f2ca5.png?d=70x70)Umer gave away [1 Sessile Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7740) from Laneuville forest (Meuse, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/8e3234eacf71bb2085beceff67aacd75fe0f2ca5.png?d=70x70)Saeed gave away [1 Sessile Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7740) from Laneuville forest (Meuse, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/03/32203a7f32688057f0dfc54b3c3cdac051c98200.jpeg?d=70x70)vincent purchased [2 Vancouver firs](https://ecotree.green/en/article/8032) from The Old Gravel Forest in Nysum (Nordjylland, DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/hero/0001/06/77bf71ca9c6ce899d41551b1353e2df049fc54c0.jpg?d=70x70)Michel helped preserve 10.01 m² of the [m2 of biodiversity in Thisted forest ](https://ecotree.green/en/article/3576) project in Thisted Forest (Nordjylland, DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/7dd1f2c5ff51671795d5dec4531a6a99764af791.png?d=70x70)Michel purchased [1 Red Cedar](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7600) from Priziac forest (Morbihan, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/46af19fc6573ee76c49754ddc2f75d7cb6e82766.png?d=70x70)Rick purchased [1 Douglas fir](https://ecotree.green/en/article/4469) from The Old Gravel Forest in Nysum (Nordjylland, DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/7dd1f2c5ff51671795d5dec4531a6a99764af791.png?d=70x70)Johan purchased [1 Red Cedar](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7600) from Priziac forest (Morbihan, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/hero/0001/04/ca284db9e94888e3bcebe9af570dcba6ab4eb418.png?d=70x70)Pierre-Olivier helped preserve 1 m² of the [m2 of restored natural ecosystem in Champeau Forest, France ](https://ecotree.green/en/article/6267) project in Champeau Forest (Côte-d'Or, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/8e3234eacf71bb2085beceff67aacd75fe0f2ca5.png?d=70x70)English purchased [1 Sessile Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7740) from Laneuville forest (Meuse, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/8e3234eacf71bb2085beceff67aacd75fe0f2ca5.png?d=70x70)English purchased [1 Sessile Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7740) from Laneuville forest (Meuse, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/8e3234eacf71bb2085beceff67aacd75fe0f2ca5.png?d=70x70)Tomas purchased [1 Sessile Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7740) from Laneuville forest (Meuse, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/04/b998f82957f4c4cc5ac71e18ca7f20e04edd967d.jpeg?d=70x70)Kevin purchased [1 Rowan](https://ecotree.green/en/article/8109) from The Old Gravel Forest in Nysum (Nordjylland, DK) ### It's in the bag, great choice! 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