Plant Profile

Sorbus domesticaSorbus domestica

Majestic wild fruit tree with bletted, aromatic fruits for juice, jam, and brandy.

Pome fruitWild plantsRose family
Calendar
Sorbus domestica (Sorbus domestica): plant portrait - Pome fruit, Rose family, Harvest September - October
Sorbus domestica: plant portrait. harvest: September - October.

Quick profile

Key data

Growing calendar
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Direct sowing outdoors
Planting outdoors
Harvest
Pruning
Direct sowing outdoorsPlanting outdoorsHarvestPruning

Suitable growing locations:

Outdoor garden bed

Good neighbors

ComfreyLupineYarrow

Avoid

Strong grasses

Indoor & direct sowing

Sorbus domestica: Sowing and germination

Indoor sowing

Not common; Speierling is usually propagated by grafting or direct sowing.

Direct sowing outdoors

Cold germinator: sow in autumn or early spring after stratification.

Seed depth1 - 2 cm
Germination temp1 - 5 °C
Germination time80 - 180 days
Light germinatorNo
Dark germinatorNo
Cold germinatorYes
Stratification neededYes
Pre-soaking recommendedNo

Planting & site

Sorbus domestica: Planting and spacing

Planting outdoors

Plant in spring or autumn when soil is frost-free.

Plant spacing600 - 1000 cm
Row spacing600 - 1000 cm

Temperature & frost

Sorbus domestica: Temperature and site

Growing temperaturefrom -25 °C
Optimal temperature15 - 25 °C
Max. heatup to 35 °C
Soil temperature2 - 4 °C
Frost sensitiveNo
Late frost sensitiveYes
Heat tolerancemedium
Cold tolerancevery high

Water & nutrients

Sorbus domestica: Water, nutrients and care

Watermedium
Critical water phasesFruit development in summer
Watering methodDrip irrigation
Droughtmedium
Waterlogging sensitiveYes
Mulching recommendedYes
Nutrient needmedium feeder
Compost recommendedYes
Fertilizer sensitivitylow

Container & growth

Sorbus domestica: Container, support and growth

Container suitableNo
SupportNo
Height1000 - 2000 cm
Width600 - 1200 cm
Root depth100 - 200 cm
Root spread500 - 1000 cm
Yield20 - 100 kg

Year plan

Sorbus domestica Calendar

Plants

The true magic of the service tree unfolds in autumn, when its fruits reach their full palatability after the first frost.

Year overview
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Direct sowing outdoors
Planting outdoors
Harvest
Pruning

Recurring tasks

Structural pruning, removal of dead wood and diseased branches, thinning of the crown.January - March
Perform only on frost-free days. Heavy cuts in winter promote growth.
Light corrective pruning, removal of water shoots and unwanted shoots, promotion of fruit wood formation.May - July
Summer pruning slows growth and promotes fruiting. Do not prune too severely.

Relevant now

June

  • WateringTrockenheit: Mulching recommended.

Next up

July

  • WateringTrockenheit: Avoid extended drought.

Monthly tasks

Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.

Direct sowingPlantingHarvestGrowingPruning

January

Quiet month

February

Seed stratification

Direct sowing

  • Seed stratificationGartenbau: Cold germinator needs 8-12 weeks of cold.

March

Planting

Planting

  • PlantingBoden frostfrei: Plant grafted trees; enrich planting hole with compost.

April

Planting

Planting

  • PlantingBoden frostfrei: Water if dry.

May

Shaping prune

Pruning

  • Shaping pruneJungbaum: Remove unwanted shoots; establish crown shape.

June

Watering

Growing

  • WateringTrockenheit: Mulching recommended.

July

Watering

Growing

  • WateringTrockenheit: Avoid extended drought.

August

Monitor fruit ripening

Growing

  • Monitor fruit ripeningKann Erntezeitpunkt verkürzen: Fruits become palatable after first frost.

September

Harvest

Harvest

  • HarvestNach Frost: Pick after frost exposure.

October

Autumn planting

Planting

  • Autumn plantingBoden frostfrei: Protect young trees with leaf mulch.

November

Planting

Planting

  • PlantingVor Frost: Apply winter protection (e.g., reed mat).

December

Quiet month

Flowering & pollination

Sorbus domestica Flowering & pollination

Flowering period

May to June

Flower color

Whitish

Self-fertility

self-fertile

Pollinator needed

no

Overview

The service tree is generally self-fertile, but the presence of other trees can improve yield.

Notes

Bees and other insects are the main pollinators. Good insect diversity in the garden promotes pollination.

Pruning & care

Sorbus domestica Pruning & care

Pruning type

Formative and maintenance pruning

Pruning timing

Winter

Structural pruning, removal of dead wood and diseased branches, thinning of the crown. Perform only on frost-free days. Heavy cuts in winter promote growth.

Summer

Light corrective pruning, removal of water shoots and unwanted shoots, promotion of fruit wood formation. Summer pruning slows growth and promotes fruiting. Do not prune too severely.

Remove

Dead woodDiseased or damaged branchesCrossing or rubbing branchesWater shoots and competing shootsInward-growing branches

Preserve

Well-distributed scaffold branches for an open crownFruit wood (short, strong shoots)Outward-growing shoots

Avoid

Large pruning wounds (over 5 cm diameter)Pruning during frost or intense heatExcessive pruning that stimulates growth and delays fruiting

Tools and hygiene

Use sharp and clean tools. Disinfect tools after pruning diseased branches (e.g., with alcohol) to prevent the spread of diseases.

Companion guide

Sorbus domestica Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

ComfreyLupineYarrow

Avoid

Strong grasses

Use & storage

Sorbus domestica Use & storage

Harvest

Harvest after the first frost; they become soft and palatable.

Storage

Cool and dry

Storage life

A few days to 1-2 weeks after bletting.

Primary use

Processing into juice, jam, jelly, or fruit brandy.

Flavor

Tart, slightly astringent, aromatic (after bletting).

Harvest

Harvest after the first frost; they become soft and palatable.

Processing

JuicingPreserving (jam, jelly)Distilling (fruit brandy)Drying

After harvest

Harvested fruits should be processed promptly or stored in a cool, dry place to complete the bletting process if not fully ripened.

Notes

The fruits are edible raw after bletting, but due to their acidity and tartness, they are more suitable for processing.

Edibility & safety

Sorbus domestica Edibility & safety

For people

In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.

Edible parts:Fruit (after bletting)
Caution parts:Unripe/unbletted fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)
Raw consumption:Only palatable raw in small quantities after bletting; mostly recommended for processing.

Safety notes

Unripe fruits are highly astringent and unpalatable. The seeds contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful in large quantities.

Animal safety

For animals, the specific plant part matters here: some parts may be suitable, while others should be avoided. At least one critical rating is listed for 7 animal types.

Animal safety by plant part

Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.

Companion animals

Dog icon for animal safety ratingDog

Fruit (after bletting)

Unripe/unbletted fruits, Seeds (in large quantities), Leaves

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruits, Consumption of large quantities of seeds, Chewing on leaves or bark

Symptoms

Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The ripe, bletted fruit is suitable in small amounts as a treat for dogs, but contains high pectin and may cause gastrointestinal upset if overconsumed. Unripe fruits, seeds, leaves, and bark contain astringent tannins and trace cyanogenic glycosides that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain if ingested in larger quantities. Poisoning is unlikely with normal access, but observation is recommended if…

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Cat icon for animal safety ratingCat

Fruit (after bletting)

Unripe/unbletted fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruits, Consumption of large quantities of seeds

Symptoms

Vomiting, Gastrointestinal upset

observe

The ripe, bletted fruit of the service tree is safe for cats in small quantities after bletting. Unripe fruits are highly astringent and may cause gastrointestinal irritation. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. If unripe fruits or large quantities of seeds are ingested, the cat should be observed. If symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.

Open animal page
Rabbit icon for animal safety ratingRabbit

Fruit (after bletting)

Seeds, Unripe/unbletted fruits

Risk factors

Consumption of seeds in large quantities, Consumption of unripe fruits

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea

observe

The ripe, bletted fruit of the service tree is suitable for rabbits in small amounts as a treat. Seeds and unripe fruits contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be avoided. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Guinea pig icon for animal safety ratingGuinea pig

Fruit (after bletting)

Unripe/unbletted fruits, Seeds (in large quantities), Leaves

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruits, Consumption of seeds in large quantities, Consumption of leaves or bark

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The ripe, bletted fruit of the service tree is likely safe in small amounts as a treat for guinea pigs, but unripe fruits, seeds, leaves, and bark contain potentially harmful compounds such as cyanogenic glycosides and tannins. Due to lack of species-specific studies, a conservative assessment is made. Only offer bletted fruit in very small quantities and monitor for reactions.

Open animal page
Hamster icon for animal safety ratingHamster

Fruit (after bletting)

Unripe/unbletted fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruits, Consumption of large quantities of seeds

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The ripe, bletted fruit of the service tree is likely safe for hamsters in small amounts as a treat. Unripe fruits are highly astringent and may cause gastrointestinal irritation. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. Due to lack of species-specific studies, a conservative assessment is made.

Open animal page
Budgie icon for animal safety ratingBudgie

Fruit (after bletting)

Seeds, Unripe/unbletted fruits

Risk factors

Consumption of seeds in large quantities, Consumption of unripe fruits

Symptoms

Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The ripe, bletted fruit of the service tree is suitable in small amounts as a treat for budgies but has low nutritional value. Seeds and unripe fruits contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in excess. Budgies should not have access to seeds.

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Farm animals

Horse icon for animal safety ratingHorse

No suitable parts listed

No risk parts listed

unknown

The ripe, bletted fruit of the service tree is suitable for horses in small quantities as a treat. Unripe fruits, seeds, leaves, and bark contain astringent tannins and small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides that can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed excessively. Poisoning is unlikely under normal feeding behavior, but overconsumption of hazardous parts should be avoided. If symptoms occur, a veterinarian…

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Chicken icon for animal safety ratingChicken

Fruit (after bletting)

Unripe/unbletted fruits, Seeds (in large quantities)

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruits, Consumption of large quantities of seeds

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

observe

The ripe, bletted fruits of the service tree are suitable for chickens in small amounts as an occasional treat. Unripe fruits are highly astringent and may cause gastrointestinal irritation. Seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should only be fed in very small quantities, as larger amounts can be harmful. Regular feeding is not recommended.

Open animal page
Duck icon for animal safety ratingDuck

Fruit (after bletting)

Unripe/unbletted fruits, Seeds, Leaves

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruits, Consumption of seeds in large quantities, Consumption of leaves or bark

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

observe

The ripe, bletted fruit of the service tree is tolerable in small quantities after bletting but contains tannins and should only be fed as an occasional treat. Unripe fruits, seeds, leaves, and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides and tannins that can cause gastrointestinal upset. Ducks should not have access to these plant parts. Observation is recommended after ingestion of large amounts of toxic parts. Consult a…

Open animal page
Goose icon for animal safety ratingGoose

Fruit (after bletting)

Unripe/unbletted fruits, Seeds, Leaves

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruits, Consumption of seeds in large quantities, Consumption of leaves or bark

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

observe

No direct species-specific source was found for geese. This is a cautious inference from the ducks profile and the known plant-part risks.

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Sheep icon for animal safety ratingSheep

Fruit (after bletting)

Unripe/unbletted fruits, Seeds, Leaves

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruits, Consumption of seeds in large quantities, Consumption of leaves or bark

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The ripe, bletted fruit of the service tree is tolerable in small amounts after bletting but contains astringent tannins. Unripe fruits, seeds, leaves, and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause gastrointestinal upset in sheep if consumed in excess. No specific sheep studies available, but conservative classification based on plant toxic compounds and known effects in ruminants.

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Goat icon for animal safety ratingGoat

Fruit (after bletting)

Unripe/unbletted fruits, Seeds, Leaves

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruits, Consumption of seeds in larger quantities, Consumption of leaves or bark

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The ripe, bletted fruit of the service tree is edible for goats in small amounts but contains tannins that may cause gastrointestinal upset if overconsumed. Unripe fruits, seeds, leaves, and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides and are not recommended. Feeding should only occur as an occasional treat with the ripe fruit. If toxic parts are consumed, a veterinarian should be contacted if symptoms appear.

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Cattle icon for animal safety ratingCattle

Fruit (after bletting)

Unripe/unbletted fruits, Seeds, Leaves

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruits, Consumption of seeds in large quantities, Consumption of leaves or bark

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

observe

The ripe, bletted fruit is tolerable in small amounts, but unripe parts and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be harmful if consumed excessively. Leaves and bark are astringent and not suitable for consumption. Observation recommended if symptoms occur. Consult a veterinarian for large ingestions or persistent symptoms.

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Pig icon for animal safety ratingPig

Fruit (after bletting)

Unripe/unbletted fruits, Seeds, Leaves

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruits, Consumption of seeds in large quantities, Consumption of leaves or bark

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

observe

The ripe, bletted fruit of the service tree is tolerable for pigs in small amounts but has low nutritional value. Unripe fruits, seeds, leaves, and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides and tannins that can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed. Feeding should be limited to the bletted fruit and only offered as an occasional treat. If hazardous parts are ingested, the animal should be observed and a veterinarian…

Open animal page

These guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.

Max risk

unknown

Highest status

do not feed

Urgency

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Saving seed

Sorbus domestica Saving seed

Seed viability

1 - 2 years

Method

Extract seeds from ripe fruits, clean them, and stratify (cold germinator).

Notes

Service tree is often propagated vegetatively (grafting) because sowing is lengthy and parental traits are not always faithfully inherited.

Practical tips

Sorbus domestica Practical tips

Common beginner mistakes

Harvesting fruits too early and being surprised by the astringent taste.Choosing too small a location; the tree grows very large and spreading.Insufficient watering for young trees during dry periods.

Success pattern

Patient gardeners who give the tree time to develop and plant it in a suitable location will be rewarded with a long-lived, robust tree and a special harvest.Processing the fruits into jelly or brandy is a rewarding tradition that highlights the unique taste of the service tree.

High-impact tips

Mulch the tree base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.Promote beneficial insects in the garden to control pests naturally.

Grower observations

The service tree is a tree for eternity. Those who plant it do so for generations. Patience is a virtue here, which pays off with unique fruits.The fruits are truly unpalatable before bletting. One must wait for the first frost or allow them to ripen specifically.

Plant Profile

Additional plant images

Sorbus domestica (Sorbus domestica): whole plant for plant portrait - Pome fruit, Rose family, Harvest September - October

Health

Pests, Diseases

Plant health

AphidsFruit tree red spider miteBark beetleCaterpillarsPowdery mildewFire blightRustIron deficiencyGeneral Nutrient DeficiencyDrought stress

Diagnosis help

Sorbus domestica Diagnosis help

Pest groups

AphidsCaterpillarsSpider mites

Disease groups

Fungal diseases (Powdery mildew, Rust)Bacterial diseases (Fire blight)

Prevention

Site-appropriate planting in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.Adequate watering, especially during dry periods.Regular monitoring for pests and diseases.Promotion of beneficial insects through diverse planting.Pruning to promote tree health and air circulation.Protection against browsing by wildlife for young trees.

Diagnosis

Look for leaf discoloration, growth abnormalities, unusual coatings, or feeding damage. In case of suspected fire blight, consult experts immediately.

Cultural prevention

Site selection: sunny, wind-protected, well-drained soil.Regular soil care: mulching, compost applications.Balanced water supply, especially during dry periods.Professional pruning to promote crown ventilation and remove diseased branches.

Monitoring

Regular inspection of leaves, shoots, and bark for first signs of pests or diseases.Special attention in spring and summer.

First response

Mechanical removal of pests (e.g., rinsing off aphids).Use of plant fortifiers (e.g., horsetail tea).Promotion of natural enemies (insect hotels, insect-friendly plants).

Diagnostic rules

Curled, sticky leaves on shoot tips

Possible causes: Aphids

  • Check undersides of leaves for small insects.
  • Observe ant activity.

White, powdery coating on leaves and shoots

Possible causes: Powdery mildew

  • Check air circulation.
  • Assess moisture conditions at the site.

Blackened, burnt-looking shoots and flowers

Possible causes: Fire blight, Late frost damage

  • Check symptoms for rapid progression.
  • Check cut surface for reddish discoloration in wood (fire blight).
  • Timing of damage (after frost event?).

Sunken, cracked bark areas with callus formation

Possible causes: Canker, Frost damage

  • Check pruning wounds or frost cracks as entry points.
  • Moisture in the wound area.

FAQ

When are service tree fruits edible?

Service tree fruits are only palatable after the first frost or artificial bletting. Before this, they are highly astringent and unpalatable due to their high tannin content.

How long does it take for a service tree to bear fruit?

A service tree typically begins to bear fruit only after 10-15 years. Full yield is often not reached until 25-30 years, as it is a slow-growing, long-lived tree.

Is the service tree self-fertile?

Yes, the service tree is generally self-fertile. However, the presence of other trees can improve yield, as insects promote pollination.

What site does the service tree prefer?

The service tree prefers a sunny to partial shade, wind-protected location with deep, loamy, and calcareous soil. It is heat-loving and thrives well in wine-growing climates.

Is Sorbus domestica safe for Dog?

Sorbus domestica is classified as moderation only for Dog. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. The ripe, bletted fruit is suitable in small amounts as a treat for dogs, but contains high pectin and may cause gastrointestinal upset if overconsumed. Unripe fruits, seeds, leaves, and bark contain astringent tannins and trace cyanogenic glycosides that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain if ingested in larger quantities. Poisoning is unlikely with normal access, but observation is recommended if…

Is Sorbus domestica safe for Cat?

Sorbus domestica is classified as moderation only for Cat. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. The ripe, bletted fruit of the service tree is safe for cats in small quantities after bletting. Unripe fruits are highly astringent and may cause gastrointestinal irritation. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. If unripe fruits or large quantities of seeds are ingested, the cat should be observed. If symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.

Is Sorbus domestica safe for Rabbit?

Sorbus domestica is classified as moderation only for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. The ripe, bletted fruit of the service tree is suitable for rabbits in small amounts as a treat. Seeds and unripe fruits contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be avoided. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Is Sorbus domestica safe for Budgie?

Sorbus domestica is classified as do not feed for Budgie. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. The ripe, bletted fruit of the service tree is suitable in small amounts as a treat for budgies but has low nutritional value. Seeds and unripe fruits contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in excess. Budgies should not have access to seeds.

Guides

Related guides

Garden guides

Sources

Public sources

  1. Wikidata entity

    Wikidata · 2026-05-15

  2. GBIF species match

    GBIF · 2026-05-15

  3. Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Speierling

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-15

  4. English Wikipedia: Cormus domestica

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-15

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