Bird Cherry

prunus padus

Also known as: ["Hackberry","Northern Bird Cherry"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Prunus Category: Trees

Overview

A deciduous tree or large shrub native to Europe and Asia, known for its fragrant white flowers and small black fruits.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Prunus
Botanical Name: Prunus padus

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden, adaptable to various soil types
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–40–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
  • Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
  • Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or dappled sunlight daily; adjust for intense summer sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday sun; place in filtered light indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage); stunted growth (nutrient deficiency or compacted soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light; use sheer curtains in intense sun; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly until runoff; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

moist, well-drained, fertile loam

pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).

Avoid heavy clay; ensure good aeration; test pH periodically.

Temperature

Hardy to USDA zones 3–7; tolerates cold winters; prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth.

Protect from late frosts; shield from hot afternoon sun; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize only in growing season; water before feeding; follow label dilution rates.

Propagation

Methods

Softwood cuttings in summer; seed germination in fall or spring.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Apply hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; fall for seeds.

Environment

High humidity; indirect light; consistent warmth (65–75°F or 18–24°C).

Medium

Peat and perlite mix; or sandy loam for seeds.

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings.

Timeline

Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; seeds germinate in 1–3 months with stratification.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray, plastic bags.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Thinning cuts; heading back; selective branch removal.

Pruning Plan

Shape plant; remove dead or diseased wood; encourage airflow; maintain size.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove old soil; trim roots if necessary; replant in fresh, well-draining soil.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Prepare new pot; trim roots; add fresh soil; water thoroughly; place in shade for a few days.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base, ensuring even saturation of the root zone; allow excess to drain; water early morning or late evening.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; increase frequency in hot, dry periods; reduce in winter.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch surface.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf scorch in excessive heat; dieback in prolonged cold; delayed bud break in unseasonal warmth.

Cold Stress

Leaves may drop or turn brown; branches can die back; root damage in poorly drained soil during freeze.

Solution: Mulch heavily in fall; protect roots from frost; avoid wet soil in winter.

Hot Stress

Wilting; leaf scorch; reduced flowering; stunted growth in extreme heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak sun; increase watering; use mulch to retain moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check soil fertility; apply sparingly; water after fertilizing; avoid contact with roots.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue in late summer.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Prunus padus may indicate nutrient deficiencies, chlorosis, or stress from environmental factors such as waterlogging or pest infestations.

Wilting in Prunus padus can result from water stress, root damage, or pathogenic infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Prunus padus are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency, premature leaf drop, and potential spread to other parts of the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Prunus padus due to fungal infections or overwatering, causing decay, structural weakness, and eventual plant decline.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are also susceptible to the cyanogenic glycosides in Prunus padus, which can lead to severe toxicity. The effects are similar to those in dogs and humans, with potential for rapid onset of symptoms.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting lethargy difficulty breathing tremors seizures collapse death
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds pits leaves bark
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. If ingestion is suspected, seek emergency veterinary care without delay.
Dogs
Toxic

The cyanogenic glycosides in Prunus padus are toxic to dogs, causing similar physiological effects as in humans. The seeds and pits are particularly dangerous due to their high concentration of these compounds.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea excessive drooling difficulty breathing weakness tremors seizures collapse
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds pits leaves bark
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep dogs away from the plant. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Prunus padus contains cyanogenic glycosides, which release cyanide upon digestion. These compounds interfere with cellular respiration, leading to oxygen deprivation at the cellular level. The toxicity is most concentrated in the seeds and pits, but leaves and bark also contain these compounds.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain dizziness difficulty breathing weakness convulsions loss of consciousness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds pits leaves bark
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of any parts of the plant. Keep away from children and pets. If ingestion occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Prunus padus toxic to pets?

A: Yes, all parts of the plant are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: Does the Bird Cherry attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it produces fragrant flowers that attract bees and butterflies, and its fruits are eaten by birds.

Q: How should Prunus padus be pruned?

A: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased branches and maintain shape.

Quick Reference
Family: Rosaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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