The Devon Whitebeam is widespread across Devon, especially North Devon, it just reaches into Somerset in the east and Cornwall in the west where it’s known as the Cornish Whitebeam kerdhinen kernow.
The taxonomy of the Sorbus complex has undergone considerable revision in recent years. In particular, Sennikov & Kurtto (2017) published a comprehensive checklist proposing the recognition of several segregate genera based largely on molecular phylogenetic evidence. Under this treatment, the traditional genus Sorbus was divided into distinct genera including Aria, Cormus, Torminalis, Hedlundia and Karpatiosorbus.
However, these changes have not been universally accepted. More recent authors have adopted alternative classifications, with some merging several of the segregate genera again, while others, including Tim Rich et al in his recent treatment of the British flora, continue to recognise Sorbus in the traditional sense pending wider taxonomic consensus.
For reasons of stability and familiarity, Trebrown currently follows the traditional broad concept of Sorbus on this website, while acknowledging the alternative modern classifications. See our full Sorbus report.
As regards to the general size of Whitebeam trees Sorbus devoniensis is amongst the largest. In open woodland it may grow into a substantial tree but is more often seen as a shrub in hedgerows.
The fruits have been reputedly picked, sold and eaten in Devon, and have been made into wine. The name ‘French Hales’ has been applied and is probably derived from ‘Alisier’ (French for Whitebeam), why, we don’t know, as this tree is not known in France.
At Trebrown Nurseries we maintain our own registered seed stands on Trebrown Farm, which remain the only seed stand registered in Cornwall. Sorbus devoniensis is not a FRM controlled species.
