Claim: While Sorbus hupehensis' leaves are colored green on above and beneath are paler, there are two varieties with narrow leaflets (Sorbus hupehensis var. hupehensis) and broad leaflets (Sorbus hupehensis var. paucijuga).
Evidence: The leaves are green above, paler beneath, 10–15 cm long, pinnate with 7-17 narrow oval leaflets 3–5 cm long and 1–1.8 cm broad, with an acute apex, and serrated margins. There are two varieties: Sorbus hupehensis var. hupehensis. Leaves with 9-17 narrow leaflets. Most of the species' range. Sorbus hupehensis var. paucijuga (D.K.Zang & P.C.Huang) L.T.Lu. Leaves with 7-9 broad leaflets. Shandong Province.