Chequer Tree (Sorbus torminalis)
Chequer tree (Sorbus torminalis)
A lovely tree of ancient woodlands, the chequer tree or wild service berry is native though rare.
Doing well even in clay or limey soils it's not a difficult tree to grow with a bit of sun, getting up to 15 m in height in time. With it's scaly grey peeling bark and maple like leaves, golden autumn colour and frothy white flowers in spring it would make a lovely, unusual specimen tree.
The interesting fruit is about 12 - 18 mm, russet and speckled, said to have a date like flavour if 'bletted', it has some history of use as a flavouring for ale and was sometimes planted outside your local pub once long ago.