Bird cherry (Prunus padus)

Bird cherry

Features and Characteristics

Prunus padus, commonly called European birdcherry, is a deciduous ornamental cherry tree that typically grows 20-40’ tall with a rounded crown. Fragrant white flowers in pendulous 3-6” long clusters (racemes) appear after the foliage emerges in spring. Flowers are followed by astringent, pea-sized, black cherries which ripen in mid-summer. As with the closely-related chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), the fruit is extremely bitter to humans but loved by birds. Serrate, dull dark green leaves (to 4” long) are elliptic to obovate. Foliage turns yellow in fall.

Genus name from Latin means plum or cherry tree.

Specific epithet is the Greek name of a wild cherry.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Adaptable to a wide range of soils.

Bird cherry (Prunus padus) Requirements

Hardiness zone	3 - 6
Sun light	Full sun to part shade
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Potential diseases include leaf spot, canker and black knot. Potential insects include aphids, scale, borers and to a lesser degree tent caterpillars.

Uses

Spring flowers are the best ornamental feature. Medium-sized tree for sunny landscape areas. Street tree.

Bird cherry (Prunus padus) Details

Common name	Bird cherry
Botanical name	Prunus padus
Plant type	Tree
Family	Rosaceae
Hardiness zone	3 - 6
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	White
Flowering period	April - May
Height	20 - 40 ft.
Width	20 - 40 ft.