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Prunus padus
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

bird cherry

A large deciduous tree with toothed, ovate leaves turning yellow in autumn, and pendant racemes of frgrant white flowers 1cm wide in late spring, followed by small, bitter black fruits

Other common names
black dogwood
common bird cherry
see moreeggberry
hagberry
heckberry
hedgeberry
hog cherry
hackberry
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green Black
Autumn Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe, W Asia to Korea and Japan

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed, chip budding or grafting, although softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat can also be successful

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

Pruning group 1. Prune in mid-summer if silver leaf is a problem

Pests

Susceptible to damage from aphids, caterpillars and bullfinches

Diseases

May be affected by silver leaf, bacterial canker and blossom wilt. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa

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