| Aria edulis | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Aria |
| Species: | A. edulis |
| Binomial name | |
| Aria edulis (Willd.) M.Roem. | |
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| Distribution map | |
| Synonyms | |
List
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Aria edulis, thewhitebeam orcommon whitebeam,[2] is a species ofdeciduous tree in the familyRosaceae.
The tree often forms new shoots around the trunk. Typically compact and domed, the plant has a few upswept branches and the leaves have an almost-white underside. Thehermaphrodite cream-white flowers appear in May, are insect pollinated, and go on to produce scarlet berries, which are often eaten by birds.[3]
It is native to most of Europe as well as North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia) and temperate Asia (EasternTurkey, Armenia, Georgia).[4] It generally favours dry limestone and chalk soils.
ThecultivarsA. edulis 'Lutescens',[5] with very whitish-green early leaves, andA. edulis 'Majestica',[6] with large leaves, have both gained theRoyal Horticultural Society'sAward of Garden Merit.[7]
The berries are edible when overripe (bletted).[8]
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