Bird Cherry (Prunus padus)

Prunus padus, also known as Bird Cherry or even in some regions as Hackberry, is a natural deciduous hedge shrub that can also be grown as a tree. Being Native to Britain, the Bird Cherry blossoms profusely in late spring, creating a breathtaking sight. A valuable tree for both aesthetics and wildlife, you can occasionally find it planted along roadsides and in parks. It also looks fantastic in wooded areas. This tree has a lengthy season of interest because of its good autumn colour and fruits that ripen in late July.

The Bird Cherry is quite adaptable and will grow well even in poor soils, though it prefers humid soil over limestone. Does well up to 600 metres in height and is highly resilient.

Bird Cherry blossoms are held on short spikes and are covered in white, almond-scented blossoms in late spring. Bees love the delicious, flowers because they attract pollinators and food early in the blooming season. Following blossoming, tiny mammals and birds adore the bitter, black fruits that grow but are inedible to humans. A variety of insects, especially the caterpillars of numerous moth species, find nourishment in the leaf as well, yet it is considered harmful to farm animals.