x Sorbaronia fallax Burka

The Sorbus 'Burka' is a rare hybrid between a mountain ash, Sorbus aucuparia, and a hybrid of Sorbaronia alpina. It is distinguished by larger leaves and fruits. Its large fleshy fruits, measuring 2 cm in diameter, are a beautiful purple-violet and are edible and tasty. It also offers a white spring flowering in umbels and beautiful reddish-purple autumn colours. It is a self-fertile and productive variety.

As a member of the large Rosaceae family, there are dozens of species of mountain ash, with Sorbus aucuparia being one of the most common. Sorbaronia alpina is a hybrid between the European mountain ash, Sorbus aria, and the eastern North American chokeberry, Aronia arbutifolia.

'Burka' is a compact hybrid variety, with the tree reaching about 3 to 4 m in height and width. It is native to Eastern Europe and was obtained by Ivan Michurin. The white umbel flowering of about 14 cm in diameter appears around May-June and attracts bees. The flowers then produce numerous clusters of dark purple fruits, which are highly decorative. Their flesh is yellow, juicy, acidic, of good taste and rich in vitamins and carotene. They can be consumed fresh, as juice, or cooked into jam or jelly. Otherwise, they are enjoyed by birds until the end of the year. In autumn, the foliage turns a reddish-purple colour.

This hybrid mountain ash 'Burka' should be planted in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade for part of the day. It is undemanding in terms of soil and can thrive in poor soil without any problems. Similarly, it can adapt to both moist and dry soils. It can be planted in small to medium-sized gardens, or even in larger spaces alongside larger trees. According to permaculture principles, it can be planted in a forest garden with other edible species such as amelanchier, male cornel, or autumn olive. For ornamental associations, a variegated maple or a beautiful purple oak can serve as a contrasting background. In a smaller garden, or planted in a diverse flowerbed, it can be associated with shrubs such as 'Golden Spirit' smoke bush, whose bright golden foliage will be enhanced by the grey-green of the mountain ash, or with shrubs with decorative berries of various colours for a cocktail of colours (callicarpa, snowberry...).