European Bird Cherry

(Prunus padus)

European Bird Cherry (Prunus padus)

Andrey Butko

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: Andrey Butko

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Andrey Butko | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: CarolSpears | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Prunus_padus_in_Donetsk_1.jpg | Notes: {{Information |description={{en|bird cherry (''Prunus padus'')}} |date=2022-04-24 |source=https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/190337051 |author=[https://www.inaturalist.org/users/3599717 Michel Langeveld] |permission= |other versions= }} {{Location|52.27398|4.

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Prunus padus, commonly known as European Bird Cherry, is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to a variety of habitats including mixed forests, stream banks, and forest edges across Temperate Asia and Europe. It typically grows up to 16 meters (52 ft) tall and has a rounded crown. The bark is dark and scaly, and the leaves are serrated. In late spring, it produces dense, cylindrical clusters of fragrant white flowers, which are followed by small black cherries in late summer. The fruit is astringent to human taste but is readily eaten by birds, which aids in seed dispersal.

European Bird Cherry is appreciated for its showy flowers and is often used in urban settings, parks, and gardens. It provides ornamental value with its springtime floral display and can serve as a habitat plant for wildlife. It prefers full sun to part shade and adapts to a range of soil types, provided they have medium drainage. While it is relatively easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to pests like aphids and leaf spot diseases. Prunus padus can become invasive outside its native range, so it is important to consult local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree
Height: 20-40 feet
Width: 20-40 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hedges, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Mixed forests, stream banks, and forest edges

Other Names

Common Names: Bird Cherry, Almindelig Hæg, Traubenkirsche, Gewöhnliche Traubenkirsche, Trauben-Kirsche, Tuomi, Merisier À Grappes, Cerisier À Grappes, Pado, Hegg

Scientific Names: , Prunus padus, Padus avium, Cerasus padus, Prunus padus var. borealis, Prunus padus var. rufoferruginea, Padus avium subsp. petraea, Rubus petraeus, Padus asiatica var. subglabra, Padus avium var. aucubifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Prunus padus L.