Species bird cherry

bird cherry

Prunus padus

Bird cherry (Prunus padus) is a species of cherry tree native to Europe and northwestern Asia. It grows to a height of 25-30 feet and bears numerous small white or pink flowers. The dark red fruit of the bird cherry can be eaten raw or cooked. Its clusters of short thorns make it an excellent protective hedge for wildlife and a popular shelter for birds. The wood is durable and is used for furniture, tool handles, and other small items. It has a long history in folklore, with many superstitions surrounding its bearing of fruit. Its beautiful blossoms are a reminder of the coming of spring.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 6

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

red,purple Fruits In Summer Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

Bird cherry should be watered regularly, but not too frequently. During the growing season, water when the soil feels dry. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings and avoid overwatering. In winter, water only when the soil is dry. A light application of fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season is beneficial.

sunlight

Bird cherry plants prefer sun to partial shade, and require a minimum of 4-5 hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant should be planted in a location that gets morning sunlight and afternoon shade or filtered sunlight. Bird cherries are sensitive to extreme temperatures, and avoid any area that's subject to strong winds or drying summer sun. They thrive best in moist, well-drained soil and thrive when planted in areas which experience day and night temperature variations. When planting Bird cherry trees, it's important to select a site that will receive the correct amount of daily sunlight exposure.

pruning

1. When: Pruning bird cherry is typically done in late winter or early spring, when the trees are still dormant. 2. How Much: Prune lightly to maintain a desired size, but be careful not to prune away too much at once. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches to keep the tree healthy and prevent further damage. Also, prune away any branches that are crossing, rubbing, or competing with other branches for space. Finally, prune away any branches growing excessively in 1 direction or that are growing too low to the ground.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Prunus padus typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Prunus padus (bird cherry) typically begins in late June or early July.

Hardiness Map