Tree comparisons

	Whitebeam Lutescens	Beech Black Swan	Rowan Common Rowan
	An excellent garden tree, very hardy, easy to grow, and tolerant of a wide range of soils and conditions. Grey-green leaves turn russet in autumn, with orange berries.	An excellent purple beech with an attractive cascading habit,	The Rowan or Mountain Ash, native to most parts of the UK. The leaves turn golden red in autumn, accompanied by clusters of red berries. One of the largest species of Sorbus.
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Growing

	Whitebeam Lutescens	Beech Black Swan	Rowan Common Rowan
Gardening skill	Beginner	Beginner	Beginner
Awards	RHS AGM (current)
Attractive features	Attractive fruit Attractive foliage	Attractive tree / plant Attractive foliage	Attractive flowers Attractive fruit Attractive tree / plant Autumn foliage colour
Growth habit	Upright-spreading / Vase	Upright-spreading / Vase Weeping	Upright
Height after 10 years	3m-5m / 10ft-16ft	3m-5m / 10ft-16ft	3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
Sunlight		Prefers full sun Some shade
Pruning	Light prune	Do not prune
Growth rate	Average	Average	Average
Site conditions		Sheltered site Windy site Free-draining site	Windy site Occasional flooding Coastal site
Wildlife	Attractive to birds RHS Plants for Pollinators		Attractive to birds RHS Plants for Pollinators