Whitebeam
Sorbus spp.)
These are small trees, quite unusual in the wild, and many imported specimens have been planted in towns and parks, along roads etc. If you want the truly native tree you may have to search – it is least common in the northern counties. Whitebeam leaves have a pale under surface which explains its name, while the cream flowers ripen to red berries. The hard pale wood was traditionally used for small furniture such as the legs of stools.
There are several Whitebeam species native to Ireland, which may be found in wild woods or cliffs where they have escaped grazing. The most widespread is Sorbus aria, the common European whitebeam, most frequent in Galway but found in Ulster. Also found in Northern Ireland are S. rupicola, on cliffs, and S.devoniensis, which has orange berries.
Some are found only in the South – S.Iatifolia, with broad leaves; S.anglica, found only in Kerry; also the only one unique to Ireland, S.hibernica, found on limestone across the midlands and in Fermanagh.
Collection
If you do find trees growing in wild woodland or cliffs collect the berries as soon as they ripen in autumn.
Stratification
Whitebeam berries, like hawthorn and rowan, need to have the red flesh removed and the seed extracted as soon as possible. If the seeds are stratified, chances of germination are improved. (See instructions for rowan).