European Bird Cherry

The European Bird Cherry (Prunus padus) is a medium-sized flowering ornamental tree. It has a pleasing  upright and rounded form with ascending branches as it matures. Its rounded, pointed, mild green foliage comes on in the spring and is followed by a beautiful bloom of flowers. The blossoms emerge fragrant and cream-white in 3-6” clusters, creating a beautiful green-white contrast between the foliage and flowers. In the fall, the leaves turn a meek yellow before the small, shiny black fruits appear. The fruits are not edible to humans but are well-loved amongst species of birds.  

The European Bird Cherry is native to Europe, northern Asia, Korea, and Japan. It is found growing in the wild near streams in moist, open woods or in more acidic soils in upland areas. It is a great option as an ornamental specimen in colder environments for its gorgeous spring bloom. It also can do well as a street tree or in urban courtyards. It does best in full to partial sun and is adaptable to a variety of soil types.