Sorbus × hybrida by thrushes and waxwings, which disperse the seeds. It is a tetraploid species of hybrid origin between "S. aucuparia" (European rowan) and "S. intermedia" (Swedish whitebeam), the latter being a tetraploid triple hybrid between "S. aucuparia", "S. torminalis", and either "S. aria" or one of its close relatives. "S. intermedia" differs from "S. hybrida" in having the leaves less deeply lobed with no separate leaflets. Closely related "Sorbus meinichii" is a triploid or tetraploid species of hybrid origin between "S. hybrida" and "S. aucuparia" and differs in having the basal four to six pairs of lobes cut right to the
Sorbus aucuparia include 'Apricot Queen', 'Brilliant Yellow', 'Chamois Glow', 'Pink Queen', and 'Salmon Queen'. The leaves were fermented with leaves of sweet gale and oak bark to create herb beer. Fruit are eaten as a mash in small amounts against lack of appetite or an upset stomach and stimulate production of gastric acid. In folk medicine they are used as a laxative, against rheumatism and kidney disease, and as a gargled juice against hoarseness. Wood of "S. aucuparia" is used for cartwright's work, turner's work, and woodcarving. Wood can be used from trees as young as 20 years. The sapwood is golden