Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash
Sorbus intermedia
Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash (Sorbus intermedia) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 30–40 ft tall and 20–30 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun.
medium water30–40 ft tall and 20–30 ft wide
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At a glance
- Rating
- Right spot only (FRTRL: Conditionally Recommended)
- Botanical name
- Sorbus intermedia
- Variety / cultivar
- Swedish Whitebeam
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 30–40 ft tall and 20–30 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~30 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–6
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Fall color
- Red, orange
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- late spring
- Pollinator value
- high
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Insects & DiseasesMain pressure here is Fireblight and Borers, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Fireblight
- Borers (notably borer-prone on the Front Range)
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash only conditionally recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: Main pressure here is Fireblight and Borers, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site.
- How big does Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash get?
- It matures to about 30–40 ft tall and 20–30 ft wide.
- How much room does Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash need?
- Give Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash about 30 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash grow into?
- Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash hardy on the Front Range?
- Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash is hardy in USDA 3–6. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash grow?
- Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash live?
- Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash turn in fall?
- Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash turns red and orange in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash deer-resistant?
- No. Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Swedish Whitebeam Mountain-ash can be affected by fireblight and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
