Broad-leaved whitebeam

Also known as 'The service tree of Fontainebleau', Sorbus latifolia is a medium-sized deciduous tree. In spring, clusters of creamy-white flowers appear among the broad, dark green leaves, attracting bees and other pollinators. The shallow-lobed leaf edge is serrated, the upper surface is a glossy deep green, while the underside is a felty, yellowish-grey. Brownish-orange, edible berries appear in autumn, providing a valuable food source for birds.

The berries  from Sorbus latifolia were sold in open-air markets at Fontainebleau, France until the 1950s, the fruit is not pleasant straight off the tree, it needs to be softened through a process called bletting where it's stored until it's almost rotten, at which point it develops a sweet flavour. It was commonly cooked into jams and preserves, or dried and used as a flour substitute with cereals. Please research further before eating the berries from Sorbus latifolia as eating large quantities could make you unwell.

Hardy, pollution-tolerant, and easy to grow, it performs well in most well-drained soils and sunny positions.

Site: Permaculture planting, wildlife gardens, arboretums, exposed sites.
Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile; tolerates most soils
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Spring (flowers); Autumn (berries & foliage)
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 10–15 m (33–50 ft)  Spread: 6–10 m (20–33 ft)