What is sorbus, scorus and how it is used in carpentry

The other day I saw posted on a group a shredder made from different species of wood, one of them being the rowan. As I didn't know much about this species I started looking for information about the sorb tree and sorb wood. And this is where the adventure begins. The information was so contradictory that I didn't understand anything. In one source the sorb wood ranged from yellowish white (sapwood) to reddish brown (heartwood), in another it was reddish white, similar to cherry wood and with no difference between sapwood and heartwood. In one part the wood could be used for fire, in the other, on the contrary, it was not recommended because it burns very hard. Eventually I realized that there are many species of sorb and of them, two are more widely used in terms of wood: Sorbus torminalis and Sorbus aucuparia. As I have spent some time reading about these species I thought you might be interested in learning more about them too. So, here's what I found out.

Lots of trees and shrubs with different properties

The genus Sorbus in the family Rosaceae comprises over 250 trees and shrubs found in western, northern and central Europe, south-east Asia and northern Africa. The greatest diversity of Sorbus in Europe is in the UK. Sorbus species are often grown for ornamental purposes because of their beautifully colored fruits. They are not only ornamental but are consumed worldwide raw or made into jams, juices and drinks. The plants have also been used as folk medicine. The fruits, leaves and sometimes the bark are used to treat respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatism, cancer and diabetes.

Sorb's decorative flowers and fruit have led some shrubs to become acclimatized in America. They are fairly resistant to cold temperatures or drought and are therefore used in parks and gardens as ornamental trees. The fruits of cultivated trees are larger than wild ones but retain the same healing qualities.

Sorbus aucuparia or mountain scorus

But that's not the only name we find it under. Sorbus aucuparia is also bird scorus, bird sorb, dogwood or cranberry. Found in Europe, Asia Minor, northern China and Africa. Grows as a small tree or shrub. It generally grows to 15 m tall, 40 cm in diameter and lives about 80 years. In Europe, the tallest such tree is in England at 28m (82m) and the oldest in Germany at 100 years old. Some people believe it has magical powers, and a twig can be used to detect hidden treasures. The Celts called it the sorcerer's tree and believed it protected them against spirits.

It is an adaptable species that grows in open fields and is considered a pioneer species, at the edge of forests or roadsides. They cope well with spring frost, dry weather, wind, snow pressure and air pollution (hence their use in parks). Seeds germinate easily, with plants sprouting in a wide variety of places: rocks, rocks, fallen trees. They are often used to fix the soil, preventing landslides.

The wood is hard, resistant and elastic, flexible, but without rot resistance, which is why it is not recommended for outdoors. The cross-section clearly shows the difference between sapwood and heartwood, the sapwood being yellowish-white, sometimes slightly reddish, and the heartwood light brown, slightly reddish to dark brown. The fiber is fine and velvety and the pores small and diffuse. The very high hardness makes it quite difficult to work with, grinding tools. Despite its hardness it is not a heavy wood (density 600-700 kg/m³, dry wood) and is prone to splitting.

In the past it was used to make wheels because it is very resistant to friction. Now it is used to make tool handles, for turning, furniture and other objects. It is prized by carpenters for its fineness of fiber, color contrast, hardness and high strength. Its high mineral content means it does not burn well.

Sorbus torminalis sometimes also called field sorbus

It's a wild tree that grows in the forests of oak without becoming the dominant species. Here, however, clusters of such trees can form, unlike in fag where there are scrapers. They don't like resinous. It can be found in southern, western and central Europe, lower Asia and northern Africa. It tolerates low temperatures, spring frosts and 1-2 months of drought in summer. Found in lowland and sub-Carpathian areas, rarely on steep slopes.

It grows to 15-25 m tall, 60-90 cm in diameter and lives 150-200 years. The white, clusters of flowers and fruit are similar to those of the redcurrant and begin to appear when the tree is 15-20 years old. The trunk resembles the cherry, with smooth bark until about 20 years, after which it thickens and forms ridges.

The main difference between the two species is wood color. While there is a clear difference between sapwood and heartwood in scorus, here it is not visible, the color of the wood varying from reddish yellow to light reddish brown, and resembling pearwood. The texture is smooth, cherry-like. But the wood is hard, strong, resilient and durable, one of Europe's most prized woods. It is stable and has a low tendency to split. The older the trees, the more special and valuable the wood.

Sorb was used in the past to make grape pots, vine and hop pots, arrows, billiard cues, gun butts, stringed musical instruments and turned items. It is still highly prized by carpenters who use it to make special objects. It is now mostly used for aesthetic veneers.

I hope you find the information useful. I promise to add to the material as I find new information. I also ask you to contribute to the complete picture of the two species by adding any information you have below.