Prunus Padus - Bird Cherry

Prunus padus, commonly known as Bird Cherry, is a beautiful native British tree known for its masses of fragrant white blossom in late spring. The elegant racemes of almond-scented flowers create a stunning seasonal display, making it a popular choice for parks, roadside planting, and woodland settings.

An important tree for wildlife as well as for ornamental value, Bird Cherry provides nectar-rich flowers for pollinators and small fruits that ripen from red to black in late summer, feeding birds and mammals. With attractive yellow and orange autumn foliage and dark, shiny bark, this hardy tree offers a long season of interest.

Although it prefers damp soils over limestone, Bird Cherry is highly adaptable and will grow well even in poor soils. It performs reliably at altitudes up to 600m and is extremely hardy, making it suitable for exposed and upland sites.

This is the size and type we sell:

Prunus padus Bird Cherry 20–40cm Cell Grown

Prunus padus Bird Cherry 40–60cm 1+0

Prunus padus Bird Cherry 60–80cm 1+0

Professionally grown and suitable for woodland planting, specimen use, or roadside schemes.

Features & Benefits

Native British tree with strong wildlife value

Masses of fragrant white blossom in late spring

Almond-scented flowers arranged in elegant drooping racemes

Red fruits ripen to black in August

Excellent autumn colour (yellow and orange tones)

Hardy and adaptable, tolerates poor soils

Suitable for altitudes up to 600m

Ideal for woodland, roadside, and parkland planting

Applications

Woodland creation and restoration projects

Specimen tree for parks and larger gardens

Roadside and amenity planting schemes

Wildlife-focused landscapes and conservation projects

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 5m height x 3m spread

After 20 years: 7.6m height x 4.6m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Prunus padus

Common Name | Bird Cherry

Plant Type | Deciduous tree

Growth Rate | Moderate

Mature Height | Approx. 7.6m

Mature Spread | Approx. 4.6m

Soil Type | Prefers damp soils; tolerant of poor soils and limestone

Aspect | Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness | Very hardy; suitable up to 600m altitude

Plant Size & Type | 20–40cm Cell Grown; 40–60cm 1+0; 60–80cm 1+0

Maintenance | Not normally pruned

Wildlife Value | Supports 30+ insect species; nectar for bees, butterflies, beetles, and the endangered Aspen hoverfly; fruits feed Redwing, Fieldfare, Blackbird, Robin, and small mammals