1. Native / Non-native Status
Non-native in the UK. Originates from France (particularly the Fontainebleau region, hence the name). Rarely planted and sometimes confused with Wild Service (Sorbus torminalis).
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – drops its leaves in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Oval to broadly elliptic (6–12 cm), with shallow lobes or large teeth, not as deeply cut as Wild Service. Dark green on top, densely felted and whitish beneath, giving a two-tone look. Arranged alternately.
Bark: Grey-brown, smooth when young, becoming fissured with age. Less “snakeskin” effect than Wild Service.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Clusters of small, white flowers in late spring. Fruits are larger than Wild Service, brown to russet, shaped like small apples/pears, ripening in autumn.
Overall shape: A medium-sized, upright tree with a rounded to spreading crown.
4. Typical Size
Usually 7–12 m tall in the UK; spread around 8–10 m.
5. Habitat & Range
Native to France, especially around Fontainebleau. In Britain, very rare and typically only found in collections, arboreta, or specialist plantings. Not naturalised in the wild.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Leaves less sharply lobed than Wild Service, with a silvery-white underside.
Fruits larger than those of Wild Service.
Generally a more upright, tidy crown form.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: White flower clusters open.
Summer: Green canopy with silvery leaf undersides visible in the wind.
Autumn: Fruits ripen to russet-brown; foliage turns yellow-bronze.
Winter: Bare, with patterned bark more visible.
8. Human Uses
Occasionally grown as an ornamental curiosity or in specialist tree collections.
In continental Europe, fruits have been eaten when overripe (“bletted”), though less widely than Wild Service.
Timber is dense, fine-grained, and valued for furniture and veneer.
9. Wildlife Value
Flowers attract pollinating insects.
Fruits eaten by birds and small mammals.
Provides habitat value in mixed plantings, though limited presence in UK landscapes.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
This tree is sometimes called the “Fontainebleau Whitebeam” because of its leaf colouration.
It was first formally described in the 18th century, and its name reflects the famous French forest where it was recognised as distinct.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained loam; tolerates chalky or clay soils but dislikes very poor, dry sands.
Light: Best in full sun, tolerates light shade.
Watering: Regular until well established; moderate drought tolerance afterwards.
Spacing: Allow 6–10 m for mature spread.
Aftercare: Mulch base to keep roots cool and moist. Protect young trees from browsing animals. Minimal pruning required other than to remove dead or crossing branches.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Not widely used, but could suit parks, avenues, and arboretums where unusual species are desired. Tolerates city conditions moderately well.
Garden: Attractive in larger gardens, especially for collectors or those seeking unusual species; too large for small gardens.
Coastal: Good for coastal sites