ExplorePlants

bird cherry

Prunus padus

The bird cherry tree is a lovely tree that grows small, sweet cherries. It has beautiful white flowers in spring that attract bees and butterflies, making it a favorite in gardens and parks.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The bird cherry has numerous white, five-petaled flowers hanging in long, fragrant clusters. Its small, round fruits mature from red to glossy black. The bright green leaves are finely toothed and slightly glossy, making it visually distinct.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusPrunus
bird cherry
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgespring_blooming trait badgebroadleaf_tree trait badge
bird cherry

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Historically, its tough wood was sometimes used to make bows and tool handles!

Its stunning white flowers are sometimes called 'May Day trees' in parts of Europe!

Scratch its bark gently to smell a distinct almond-like fragrance!

The small, shiny black cherries look like tiny polished beads hanging from the branches!

Special abilities

Ability

Scented Welcome Mat

Bird cherry can release a powerful, sweet fragrance to attract many busy insect pollinators from far away.

Ability

Bird Buffet

It provides abundant small, dark cherries that are a vital food source for many bird species, helping them thrive.

Ability

Tough Roots

Bird cherry has a strong root system allowing it to grow in poor soils and wet areas where other trees struggle.

Ability

Chemical Shield

Its bark and leaves contain compounds that give them a bitter taste, discouraging some hungry plant-eaters.

Measurements & details

Height
800-1500 cm
Spread
600-1000 cm
Flower Size
1-1.5 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

eaten by

Common Blackbird

Turdus merula

Relies on its small, dark cherries for food.

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Visits fragrant flowers to collect nectar and pollen.

eaten by

Bird-cherry Ermine Moth

Yponomeuta evonymella

Its caterpillars feed on the leaves.

shelters

Great Tit

Parus major

Often builds its nest among the branches.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not eat the cherries without asking an adult first, as they can be sour!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is bird cherry?

800-1500 cm

How wide does bird cherry spread?

600-1000 cm

How big are the flowers on bird cherry?

1-1.5 cm

When does bird cherry bloom?

Spring

Is bird cherry edible?

Yes

Is bird cherry toxic?

Mild

What is bird cherry's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is bird cherry pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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