General: The genus "Sorbus" includes about 100 species that occur in the entire northern hemisphere. The checker tree can be found in Europe and especially in the central German hill country. The medium-sized tree has maple-like lobed leaves and beautiful yellow-orange autumn colors. Small, yellow to light brown, edible fruits develop from the panicles in May / June.
Care as a bonsai: Bonsai can easily be made from checker tree berries. The plants are very vigorous, easy on pruning and the branches are flexible enough to be shaped with wire. Checker trees prefer a sunny location and love warmth. However, they do not tolerate drought. So it has to be watered extensively. Hard tap water is not a problem for the plant. Very well, however, substrates that are too wet or waterlogged. In addition, the plant should be protected from late frosts.
