Sorbus Domestica - Ecology

Ecology

It is generally rare, being listed as an endangered species in Switzerland and Austria, and uncommon in Spain. In the UK, one very old tree that existed in the Wyre Forest before being destroyed in 1862 used to be considered native, but it is now generally considered to be more likely of cultivated origin, probably from a mediaeval monastery orchard planting. More recently, a small population of genuinely wild specimens was found growing as stunted shrubs on cliffs in south Wales (Glamorgan) and nearby southwest England (Gloucestershire). It is a very rare species in Britain, occurring at only a handful of sites. Its largest English population is within the Horseshoe Bend Site of Special Scientific Interest at Shirehampton, near Bristol. It is not otherwise widely cultivated in the UK.

It is a long-lived tree, with ages of 300–400 years estimated for some in Britain.

The largest and perhaps oldest known specimen in Europe is near the town of Strážnice in the province of Moravia, Czech Republic. Its trunk measures 458 centimetres (15.03 ft) in circumference, with a crown 11 metres (36 ft) high and 18 metres (59 ft) across. It is estimated to be around 400 years old.