Prunus padus, commonly known as bird cherry, hackberry, hagberry, or Mayday tree, is a deciduous flowering tree or large shrub in the rose family (Rosaceae). It is the type species of the subgenus Padus, characterized by flowers arranged in racemes.
Description
Prunus padus typically grows to a height of 10–25 m (33–82 ft), with a conical crown that becomes rounded with age. The bark is smooth, peeling, and greyish-brown, emitting an unpleasant, acrid odour when bruised. Twigs are dull, deep brown with pale markings; young shoots are hairy but become hairless with age. Leaves are obovate with fine serrations, dark green above and slightly paler beneath.
Flowers and Fruit
Fragrant white flowers, each about 1–1.5 cm across, appear in pendulous racemes 3–6 inches (7–15 cm) long after the foliage emerges in spring. The flowers are hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. The fruit is a small, astringent, pea-sized drupe, black when ripe, ripening in mid-summer. Though edible, the fruit is bitter and astringent, and is more commonly consumed by birds (hence the common name "bird cherry").
Distribution and Habitat
Prunus padus is native to northern Europe and across northern Asia, including Siberia, the Russian Far East, northern China, Korea, and Japan. It is also found in the Caucasus and parts of Central Asia. It typically grows in moist, well-drained soils along riverbanks, in woodlands, and in hedgerows, and is tolerant of cold climates (hardy to USDA Zone 2–3).
Taxonomy
The species was described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. Synonyms include Padus avium Mill. and Padus racemosa Lam. The variety Prunus padus var. commutata (Harbinger Bird Cherry or Mayday Tree) was introduced into cultivation in 1890 and is noted for its coarsely toothed leaves and extreme cold hardiness.
Uses
- Ornamental: Widely planted as an ornamental tree for its fragrant spring flowers and attractive form.
- Wildlife: The fruit is an important food source for birds; the flowers provide nectar for pollinators.
- Wood: The wood is fine-grained and used for small turned objects, though the tree rarely reaches large dimensions.
- Traditional medicine: Various parts of the plant have been used in folk medicine, though the bark and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be used with caution.
Ecology
The tree is a host plant for several Lepidoptera species, including the cherry leaf roller and various moths. It is also susceptible to the same pests and diseases as other Prunus species, such as black knot, silver leaf, and cherry leaf spot.
