Native to Britain and Europe, In spring, nectar-loving animals flock to this beautiful tree for its almond-scented blossom. A late flowering tree, the white flowers produced in April/May hang in racemes. Edible, but bitter black cherry fruits develop in late summer.
Flowers are heavily scented, white with five petals, and measure 8–15mm across. Twigs are a dull, deep brown with pale markings. Shoots are hairy when young but become hairless with age. Large bright green leaves of spring and summer turn yellow and bronze in autumn.
A rounded tree of small to medium height at maturity (5-10m), a good choice for parks, gardens, woodlands and native planting schemes. Tough and resilient, but similarly to other cherries, does not thrive on waterlogged ground.
Like wild cherry, the spring flowers provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees. The cherries are eaten by birds, including the blackbird and song thrush, as well as mammals such as badger, wood mouse and doormouse.
Prunus padus - Bird Cherry
Features Autumn Colour, Berries, Beneficial To Wildlife & Pollinators, Flowers Uses Parkland, Garden, Urban, Avenue Soil Will Tolerate Most Soil Types Growth Rate Moderate Season of Interest Spring, Autumn Type Deciduous, Medium Sized Leaf Common Names Bird Cherry Mature Size Medium Work out delivery by selecting your trees and typing your postcode at the 'Cart' page. Alternatively, customers are welcome to arrange collection from the nursery.