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Bird Cherry Prunus padus
Example photos only. Size, stem height and habit may vary.
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British Grown – The British Grown logo denotes plants and trees that have been both propagated and grown in the UK. Read more
Product Description
PRUNUS PADUS – Bird Cherry
Characteristics
Bird Cherry is an attractive flowering tree with almond scented flowers in May which are held on long slender racemes. These turn into small black bitter fruits. Good orange yellow leaf colour in autumn.
The Bird Cherry is native to Europe, Western and Central Asia as far as Japan. It occurs naturally in open spaces, in edges of forests and in wooded banks more generally in the wetter north of the UK. It can make a maximum height of 10m (30ft) and more often than not as a multi-stemmed or short boled tree.
Where to grow
Bird Cherry is an extremely tough tree which will grow in the harshest environments. Unlike most of the flowering cherries it will cope with wet ground well and tolerates exposure and winds, it is found growing almost up to the Arctic Circle. However it will grow best in moist loamy fertile soils.
Did you know?
The wood is particularly evil smelling, the fruits are used to colour wine The bark was used in the Middle Ages to make stimulants and extracts to treat stomach-ache, fever and colds. It was considered so potent that pieces of the bark were hung on doors and in drinking water for protection against the plague.
Features
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Mature Height
- Medium - 10-15 metres
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Spread
- 10-15metres
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Shape / Habit
- Broad headed
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Growth Rate
- Fast
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Soil Type
- All soil types
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Sun Levels
- Full sun
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Difficulty / Hard to Grow
- Easy
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Evergreen / Deciduous
- Deciduous
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Autumn Colour
- Yellow
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Leaf Colour
- Green
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Foliage
- Dense
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Flower Colour
- White
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Flowering Type
- Single
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Flowering Month
- May
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Uses
- Screening
- Parkland Tree
- City/Urban Sites
- Country/Farmland
- Encourages wildlife
- Bird Food
- Flower Arranging
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Scent
- Scented Flowers
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Native / Naturalised
- Native
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Season
- Spring
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Moisture Levels
- Wet/Water logged sites
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Other Features
- Good at altitude
Aftercare
For the continued healthy growth of your trees, shrubs or hedging it is vital that you follow the advice below.
Watering
The main reason that plants die within 12 months of having been planted is lack of water. It is essential throughout the spring and summer, to give a heavy enough watering to enable the water to penetrate right down to the deepest root level of the tree. In hot dry spells give the equivalent of 2 bucketfuls every three days.
Weed Control
One of the most common causes of lack of water is competition from grass. When trees are first establishing, the grass roots would be at the same level as the tree roots and are far more efficient at taking up water and thus choke the tree. It is vital that for at least 3 years after planting your tree or hedge has a circle or strip one metre wide completely free of grass.
- Mulch mats are an effective way to stop grass and weeds, although they will require a careful eye to make sure they continue to work. After clearing the ground around the tree, firmly fit the mat by tucking the edges into the soil and put a thick layer of bark mulch on top of this. Be careful not to allow the woodchip to touch the stem as it can cause rot.
- Weed killer is very effective, however it is harmful to the environment. Organic weed killers usually do not kill roots. Weed killer needs to be applied each year for the first 3 years, preferably when the tree is dormant, or just once before applying a mulch mat.
- Mowing or strimming is NOT an answer to the problem. Each time you mow, the grass will grow back more vigorously and strimming invariably leads to lacerated trunks.
Staking
If trees are not correctly secured they will rock in the planting pit. Roots not firmly in contact with the soil are unable to take up moisture and nutrients, resulting in die back or death of the tree. Check, particularly after windy weather, that stakes are still solidly in the ground keeping the base of the trunk firm. The purpose of the stakes is to anchor the roots. Flexing in the wind, higher up the trunk, is not necessarily a problem if the roots are firm.
Bellow is list of the correct system to use to secure your trees.
- 40/60, 60/80, 80/100 whips - Unless rabbit/deer problem no need to stake.
- 100/125, 125/150 1.2m Cane and Easi tie.
- 150/175 1.2m square stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
- 175/250, 6/8, 8/10 15L 1.65 Tree stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
- All larger trees. 2 x 1.65 Tree stake and cross rail with 38mm cushion spacer and 1m of 38mm strapping.
Ties
Always use our recommended tree ties or strapping. These are designed and manufactured with the correct amount of give to hold the tree firm without strangling it. They should be checked at the end of each growing season for adjustment as the trunk thickens. Non proprietary materials such as baler twine will cut into the bark and should not be used.
Protection from Animal Damage
Rabbits, deer, sheep, cattle and horses can all potentially damage trees. Ask us for advice on the most appropriate guards for your trees or hedge. Squirrels are also a terrible pest when trees get to about 20ft tall but there is no protection available.
Are the delivery costs the same no matter how many plants I order?
Yes the delivery costs stay the same no matter how many plants you have on your order. They are worked out based on your distance from our nursery and can be found here.