Culture
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Adaptable to a wide range of soils.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Prunus padus, commonly called European birdcherry, is a deciduous ornamental cherry tree that typically grows 20-40’ tall with a rounded crown. Fragrant white flowers in pendulous 3-6” long clusters (racemes) appear after the foliage emerges in spring. Flowers are followed by astringent, pea-sized, black cherries which ripen in mid-summer. As with the closely-related chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), the fruit is extremely bitter to humans but loved by birds. Serrate, dull dark green leaves (to 4” long) are elliptic to obovate. Foliage turns yellow in fall.
Genus name from Latin means plum or cherry tree.
Specific epithet is the Greek name of a wild cherry.
‘Albertii’ is a compact cultivar that grows to 30’ tall and is noted for its exceptionally floriferous bloom.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Potential diseases include leaf spot, canker and black knot. Potential insects include aphids, scale, borers and to a lesser degree tent caterpillars.
Uses
Spring flowers are the best ornamental feature. Medium-sized tree for sunny landscape areas. Street tree.