![](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/0001/05/05c8fe3255dfcad40490eaeedac4690d9ed7c17f.png?d=240x135) ![Flag FR](https://img.ecotree.green/graphism/flags/fr.svg) [See in detail](https://ecotree.green/en/article/6853) [Maritime Pine](https://ecotree.green/en/article/6853) £16.50 Age: 0 to 2 years old Confolens forest Charente, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France Add to cart ![](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/04/530d58d6cf9044bad4b229e77d27e7c8555c74b8.jpeg?d=240x135) ![Flag FR](https://img.ecotree.green/graphism/flags/fr.svg) Only 2 left! [See in detail](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7265) [Downy Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7265) £15.50 Age: 35 to 40 years old Yzeures-sur-Creuse forest Indre-et-Loire, Centre Val-de-Loire, France Add to cart ![](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/03/4beacdb61a5098ad856f20c9d244b95b20c1300a.jpeg?d=240x135) ![Flag FR](https://img.ecotree.green/graphism/flags/fr.svg) Only 4 left! [See in detail](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7310) [Pedunculate Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7310) £15.50 Age: 35 to 40 years old Yzeures-sur-Creuse forest Indre-et-Loire, Centre Val-de-Loire, 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)Heta has started a [subscription of 1 tree in Denmark](/en/grow-your-own-danish-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Adrian has started a [subscription of 1 tree in Denmark](/en/grow-your-own-danish-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Rodrigo 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)Umer has started a [subscription of 3 trees in Denmark](/en/grow-your-own-danish-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Umer has started a [subscription of 3 trees in France](/en/grow-your-own-forests) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/187b6bd8625bacdd11392c2ea17058c5962ebc7f.png?d=70x70)GILLES purchased [1 Hazel](https://ecotree.green/en/article/4090) from The Old Gravel Forest in Nysum (Nordjylland, DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/04/82dcbb2e421cab5d712b94dc8f2c85d3facbf641.jpeg?d=70x70)Nadine purchased [1 Pear tree](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7385) from Laneuville forest (Meuse, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/2571c5b6779e98ad58bff748b04285e66ca54c5b.png?d=70x70)Arnaud purchased [1 Sessile Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/3767) from Orø-Margrete Forest (Sjælland, DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/04/cb313f2702234000f8bcfbddc3659f709d6a8976.jpg?d=70x70)Heta purchased [4 Norway Spruces](https://ecotree.green/en/article/4414) from The Old Gravel Forest in Nysum (Nordjylland, DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/f7eb05d736ce7767339ec0db3234edee77468f21.png?d=70x70)Simon purchased [1 Norway Maple](https://ecotree.green/en/article/4680) from Orø-Margrete forest 2 (Sjælland, DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/pack/0001/06/3ba24296b4cbc7917ed762f9d9ea42b3d2a67c89.jpg?d=70x70)Kevin gave away [1 The perfect forest gift bundle](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7394) from Different regions (FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/04/82dcbb2e421cab5d712b94dc8f2c85d3facbf641.jpeg?d=70x70)Jeanette purchased [1 Pear tree](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7385) from Laneuville forest (Meuse, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/hero/0001/06/182a8275ffb95ab9b13911a77fab622c1f5f5177.jpg?d=70x70)Kevin helped preserve 10 m² of the [m2 of biodiversity hedges in Nyssum ](https://ecotree.green/en/article/4997) project in The Old Gravel Forest in Nysum (Nordjylland, DK) ### It's in the bag, great choice! 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