The white whitebeam is the “Tree of the Year” for 2024. The tree species is expected to cope well with increasing dry periods, the “Tree of the Year – Dr. Silvius Wodarz Foundation” explained the decision. The tree will therefore play an important role in greening cities in the future. This is becoming increasingly important in times of climate change.
According to the foundation, now in autumn the whitebeam (Sorbus aria) is particularly beautiful to look at: the orange to scarlet fruits shine through the yellow to golden brown foliage crown. They taste floury and rather boring, as the foundation explained upon request. It is not clearly proven whether the name of the tree species comes from this. It could also be that the flour-covered young shoots and undersides of leaves played a role, as did the use of dried whitebeam fruits to make flour in times of need.
The tree species is in demand as a city tree, but in some places also as an avenue tree. In forests it prefers sunny locations and little competition, it was said. The title “Tree of the Year” has been awarded annually since 1989. The aim of the campaign is to provide information about the special features of the respective trees. The foundation also wants to arouse and promote interest in trees and nature and environmental protection in general. The tree of the current year is the downy birch.
