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 at elevations of up to 2000 m. "S. aucuparia" appears north of the boreal forest at the arctic tree line; in Norway, it is found up to the 71st parallel north. It has naturalized in America from Washington to Alaska and eastward in Canada and the northeast of the US very successfully. "Sorbus aucuparia" is an undemanding species and can withstand shade. It is frost hardy and can tolerate winter dryness and a brief growing season. The plant is also resistant to air pollution, wind, and snow pressure. "S. aucuparia" mostly grows on soil that is moderately dry to moderately