Bird cherry (Prunus padus)

Also known as: Hagberry, Mayday tree

The Bird cherry (Prunus padus), also known as the Mayday tree, is a deciduous cherry species native to Europe. It has played a significant role in spring celebrations, particularly May Day festivals, due to its early blooming flowers that signal the arrival of spring. The tree is pollinated by bees and flies, and while its leaves, stems, and fruits can be toxic to some mammals, it has been valued for its symbolic and practical uses. Historically, the bark was often placed near doorways as a protective measure against the plague, reflecting its importance in traditional European rituals and beliefs.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Bird cherry

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Plant Height

5 m to 16 m

Spread

15 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow Red

Flower Size

5 mm to 9 mm

Flower Color

White

Images of Bird cherry

Quickly Identify Bird cherry

Identify Prunus padus by its smooth, grey bark, clusters of white, almond-scented flowers, and shiny, dark green leaves with finely serrated edges.

Scientific Classification of Bird cherry

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Rosales

Family

Rose

Genus

Prunus

Species

Bird cherry

Planting and Growing of Bird cherry

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

59-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Bird cherry?

For Prunus padus, the watering amount is vital to its health. The key is to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Water until you see it trickling down to the base, approximately 2000ml per session, ensuring deep root hydration.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Bird cherry? ›

What should I do if my Bird cherry is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Bird cherry? ›

How to save an overwatered Bird cherry? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Bird cherry?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 2 to 6 hours

Prunus padus thrives under partial sun to full shade conditions. Such lighting ensures the plant maintains its lush and vibrant foliage, while also supporting optimal flowering and overall plant vigor.

What is the best time for sunlight exposure? ›

How can I ensure the plant receives enough light indoors? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting for Prunus padus? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Bird cherry?

Ideal Temperature: 59 ~ 77℉

Prunus padus thrives best when grown in an environment where the temperatures range between 59°F and 77°F. This temperature bracket ensures optimal growth and development of the plant, allowing it to exhibit healthy foliage and blossom fully. The moderate temperatures support essential physiological processes crucial for the plant's health, enabling efficient nutrient uptake and photosynthesis.

What Soil is Best for Bird cherry?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Prunus padus thrives best in well-drained soil, which prevents waterlogging and root rot. Ensuring the soil is well-aerated allows the roots to breathe and absorb nutrients efficiently, promoting healthy growth. This plant enjoys soil that retains moisture without being overly wet. Adequate moisture levels allow for consistent nutrient availability, essential for the plant's flowering and fruiting processes. A soil rich in organic matter, like compost, provides essential nutrients and improves soil structure. This nutrient-dense environment supports the robust growth and colorful blossoms of the Prunus padus. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Bird cherry?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Prunus padus, a moderate amount of fertilizer is required to promote healthy growth and flowering. During the growing season, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at a rate of 2 tablespoons per gallon of water. For slow-release fertilizers, use approximately 1 to 2 pounds per square yard to provide sustained nutrients throughout the year. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Bird cherry?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Next, thin out the canopy to increase light penetration and air circulation. Cut back shoots to maintain the desired shape and structure, ensuring cuts are made just above a bud. Always use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Bird cherry plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Harvest seeds from ripe Prunus padus fruits in late summer or early autumn. Clean and dry them completely. Store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant.

Select healthy, non-flowering shoots from the Prunus padus plant in late spring. Cut sections approximately 10-15 cm in length, ensuring at least three nodes on each cutting. Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes where roots will develop.

Fill a seed tray with a mix of loamy soil and sand. Sow seeds about 2 cm apart and cover lightly with soil. Keep the tray in a warm, sunny spot, maintaining consistent moisture to encourage germination.

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How to Repot Bird cherry plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repot Prunus padus when growth slows, roots emerge from drainage holes, or when you see an imbalance between the plant size and its pot. The best time is early spring.

Select a pot that is 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. A larger pot provides room for root growth, preventing overcrowding, and ensures better aeration for healthy development.

Use well-draining and rich soil with organic matter. This soil type retains moisture without waterlogging, providing essential nutrients and ensuring healthy root growth for Prunus padus.

Toxicity of Bird cherry

Is Bird cherry toxic to humans?

Bird cherry exhibits a mild toxicity level to humans, with every part of the plant being potentially harmful if consumed. The toxic nature stems from the presence of glycosides such as prulaurasin and amygdalin, which can metabolize into hydrogen cyanide, a highly potent toxin. Consumption, even in minimal amounts, can lead to symptoms including dizziness, headaches, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. In more critical instances, ingestion may result in respiratory difficulties, elevated heart rate, and seizures. Given that the entire plant is toxic, it is essential to exercise caution to avoid accidental ingestion, especially among children who might be attracted to the plant's cherries.

Is Bird cherry toxic to cat?

The bird cherry plant presents a low-level toxicity threat to cats when ingested unintentionally. All components of the plant, including its leaves, stems, and fruit, contain toxic substances. If a cat ingests any portion of the bird cherry, it might exhibit signs of physical distress. This adverse reaction is linked to the presence of toxic glycosides such as prulaurasin and amygdalin, which can be harmful to cats. Should there be any suspicion of bird cherry poisoning in a cat, it is essential to seek prompt veterinary assistance to address the problem and prevent possible health issues.

Is Bird cherry toxic to dog?

The bird cherry species presents a mild toxicity risk for dogs. Canines might unintentionally consume various parts of the bird cherry plant, which could lead to possible poisoning. The entire plant is toxic, indicating that ingestion of its leaves, stems, flowers, or berries can be detrimental. If a dog consumes bird cherry, it might show symptoms like gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, or breathing difficulties. The toxic compounds glycosides prulaurasin and amygdalin found in the plant contribute to this hazard. It is essential for dog owners to monitor their pets vigilantly and restrict their access to bird cherry. If a dog exhibits any signs of poisoning after ingesting any part of bird cherry, it is vital to seek prompt veterinary assistance.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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