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Prunus padus

bird cherry

Rosaceae Northern Europe and northern Asia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Fragrant (moderate)

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 3–8

Overview

Prunus padus is a deciduous tree in the rose family, reaching 25-50 feet (8-15 m) tall with a rounded to spreading crown, sometimes growing as a large multi-stemmed shrub. The alternate elliptic leaves are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long with finely toothed margins, turning yellow to red before falling. Unlike most cherries, its small white flowers are carried in slender, drooping or spreading racemes 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long that appear in late spring as the leaves expand, filling the air with an almond-like scent. Small, bitter, black cherries about 0.3 inch (6-8 mm) wide ripen in late summer and are quickly taken by birds, which spread the seed. Native to northern Europe and Asia, it grows along streams, in damp woodland, and on hillsides, and has naturalized in places beyond its range. The bark, leaves, and seeds contain cyanogenic compounds that are poisonous if eaten. The foliage is often webbed and stripped by larvae of the bird-cherry ermine moth, though affected trees usually releaf.

Native Range

Native across northern Europe and northern Asia, from Britain and Scandinavia east to Japan. It grows in moist woodlands, stream banks, and hillsides, often on damp, fertile soils.

Suggested Uses

Grown as an ornamental and shade tree in parks, large gardens, and along streams, and in shelterbelts and naturalistic plantings. Its scented spring racemes and bird-friendly fruit suit wildlife and woodland settings. Selected forms such as P. padus 'Watereri' are grown for longer flower racemes.

How to Identify

Distinguished from other cherries by its small white flowers held in long, slender, drooping racemes rather than tight clusters, opening in late spring. The bark and crushed twigs give off a strong, somewhat unpleasant almond smell. Bitter black cherries follow in late summer on the elongated flower stalks.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height25' - 50'

Width/Spread20' - 30'

Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Flowers in late spring, generally April to May, producing long, tapering racemes of fragrant white blossom as the leaves unfold. The almond-scented flowers draw bees and other insects. Black fruit ripens through late summer and is stripped quickly by birds.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Green, turning yellow to red in autumn

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

Reaches mature size in 20-30 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun to part shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of about 5.5 to 7.5. Prefers damp ground and does poorly on thin, dry soils. Tolerates cold and exposure, suiting it to northern climates. Needs little routine care once established but is prone to defoliation by ermine moth caterpillars in early summer. The bark, foliage, and seeds are poisonous if eaten.

Pruning

Prune only when needed, in midsummer after flowering, to limit silver leaf and canker that affect Prunus spp. cut in winter. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to shape young trees. Webbing from ermine moth can be cut out and cleared in early summer.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans