This stout tree is bearing attractive clusters of fruit on the South Walk.
One of approximately 100 species of deciduous trees and shrubs from the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, Sorbus sargentiana originates from western China. It is a slow growing tree reaching up to 10m in height and width, and having stout shoots and fat winter buds. The pinnate leaves have up to six pairs of lightly serrated leaflets, each up to 12cm in length, and with prominent veining on the lower surface. In summer these are a dark green in colour, and in autumn these take on orange-red tones. Broad, terminal corymbs of flowers are produced in summer, and these develop to produce clusters of flattened, orange-scarlet fruits. This species was introduced to western gardens by Ernest Wilson in 1908, and named in honour of the then Director of the American Arnold Arboretum, Charles Sprague Sargent, for whom Wilson worked.