ABSTRACT
A large genus found in northern temperate regions, in some instances as a major constituent of high-altitude forests, where they occur as smallish compact trees. Horticulturally important, they are grown mostly for their beauty of foliage, autumn colour and fruit. The majority are small-to-medium in size with a few forming what might be considered large trees. Traditional use of the name Sorbus to cover all types is retained; although, many botanical authorities hold the view that the genus should be broken up into a number of separate genera, Sorbus, Aria, Chamaemespilus, Torminalis and Cormus. Although budding in the field during the summer is an important method for Sorbus, grafting takes place only during the winter/early spring period (January to March). Because of their relative ease of grafting, timing can often be adjusted to fit in with work programmes.
