Natural England

Natural England

Gardening with Wildlife in Mind

The Plant Press

© 2006-2008. Database provided and managed on behalf of Natural England by The Plant Press. Designed and implemented by Ideal Integration Ltd

 

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Bird cherry - Prunus padus

Bird cherry - Prunus padusBird cherry - Prunus padus
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature
UK distribution - East Anglia, North

Bird cherry is a smaller tree than wild cherry and its fruits can only be eaten by birds: blackbirds are particularly fond of them.

It is a deciduous tree or shrub with a conical, asymmetrical crown, usually with hanging branches. In May the almond-scented, white flowers produce a stunning display, hanging in long racemes; flowers are arranged along the stem, where the lowest flowers open first and then the others in sequence towards the tip of the stem. Shiny, pea-sized, purple-black, bitter fruits follow these. The oval, dark green leaves turn bright yellow to provide good autumn colour.

The bird cherry will tolerate most soil conditions; it is frost-resistant and thrives on urban sites.

Animals

Blackbird, Eyed hawk-moth, Fieldfare, Mistle thrush, Redwing, Song thrush

FoliageGreen
FlowerWhite, April to May
MoistureAverage (Average)
SunlightFull sun to Part-shadeFull sun to Part-shade (Full sun to Part-shade)
OriginNative