Cherry, European Bird, or May Day Tree
Prunus padus
Rosaceae - Rose

Description

Leaves: Alternate; simple; two or more glands or bumps on petiole; deciduous.

Twigs/buds: Twigs medium texture; reddish brown; with prominent lenticels. Buds scaly, red-brown like twig.

Flowers/fruit: Flowers perfect, fragrant, 1/2", white, in elongated, drooping bunches appearing in early May. Fruit is a 1/4" to 1/3" diameter black drupe maturing in mid to late summer.

Bark: Grayish, greenish or dark brown; rough; has dark lenticels.

Wood: Black knot fungus often a problem; causes dark swellings on branches; little information available.

General: Small to medium sized tree, depending on cultivar, native to Europe, Asia, and Japan. Shade intolerant. Weak wood and/or branch structure. Thorns or spines that can be dangerous; use thornless varieties if possible. Fruit and/or plant part can be nuisances; use fruitless varieties if possible.

Landscape Use: Black knot disease is a problem. Various canopy and inflorescence sizes and foliage colors are available. Zones 3(2?)-7.

Cultivars: 'Albertii', 'Berg', 'Colorata', var. commutata Dipp. 'Plena', 'Spaethii', Summer Glow®, 'Watereri'.

Characteristics

General

Family Rosaceae - Rose
Cultivar Availability Yes
Hardiness Zone 3-7
Type Broadleaf
Utah Native No

Growth

Growth Rate Medium
Mature Height Medium
Longevity Medium
Is Good Under Power Lines No
Crown Shapes Irregular

Ornamental

Bark No
Fall Color No
Flowers Yes
Foliage No
Fruit No

Tolerance

Shade Medium
Salt Medium
Drought Medium
Poor Drainage Low
Alkalinity Medium
Transplanting Medium