European bird cherry is a deciduous tree native to temperate Eurasia and Morocco and introduced to the United States. Its small, fragrant white flowers hang in long clusters, and its bitter cherries ripen black in late summer. European bird cherry contains substances that can release cyanide.

Appearance

Growth form
It is a deciduous tree that can reach about 30 ft (9 m) in Alaska and may form dense, low-branched thickets.
Leaves
The oval to elliptical leaves taper at the tip and have sharply toothed edges. Two small glands often sit near the base of the leaf blade.
Flowers
Small, fragrant white flowers hang in long cylindrical clusters.
Flowering time
In Alaska, flowering usually runs from late May into early June.
Fruit
Small, bitter cherries ripen black in late summer.

Look-alikes

ChokecherryPrunus virginiana

In Alaska, the Canada red form of Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) often has more upright flower clusters, while European Bird Cherry has drooping clusters. Canada red leaves also turn reddish purple in summer.

Why they get mixed upBoth have long clusters of white flowers and dark cherries, and both are regulated invasive trees in Alaska.

Where it lives

Typical habitats
  • Alaska stream banks
  • disturbed forests
  • older landscapes and parks
Range
The tree is native to temperate Eurasia and Morocco. In the United States it is introduced, with its clearest invasive problem in Alaska.
Preferred conditions
It tolerates cold and a range of soils, and it spreads especially well in moist streamside woods.
Flowering

Flowers May–Jun

Flowers May–Jun

Life cycle

Reproduction
The tree spreads by seed and can also resprout from trunks, stems, and roots after cutting.
Seed dispersal
Birds eat the fruit and carry the seeds into new areas.

Cautions

Cautions
The tree contains compounds that can release cyanide. Alaska agencies report rare cases of moose poisoning.

Connected species

Ties with other wildlife
Birds use the fruit, but dense stands can replace native plants growing beneath the trees.
Seed dispersers
  • WaxwingsBombycilla

    Waxwings have been observed eating the cherries in Anchorage and helping spread the seeds.

  • Rusty BlackbirdEuphagus carolinus

    Rusty Blackbirds have been observed eating the cherries in Anchorage and helping spread the seeds.

Name and classification

About the name
The species includes a northern variety and a typical variety. In Alaska, it is also called Mayday tree.

Conservation

IUCN Red List
LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction
Threats
In Alaska it can crowd out plants beneath forest trees and along streams.
11 sources
  1. iNaturalist taxon API: Prunus padus
  2. Plants of the World Online: Prunus padus
  3. 국립생태원 계룡산 생태계 표준관측망 보고서
  4. 森林総合研究所: エゾノウワミズザクラの保全
  5. 国立アイヌ民族博物館 アイヌと自然デジタル図鑑: エゾノウワミズザクラ
  6. Alaska Plant Materials Center: European Bird Cherry
  7. USDA Forest Service: Trees and Shrubs to Watch
  8. State of Alaska: Prunus padus and Prunus virginiana Quarantine
  9. University of Alaska Fairbanks Extension: Invasive Chokecherry Trees
  10. Alaska Natural Heritage Program: Invasive Plant Inventory and Bird Cherry Control Trials Phase II
  11. 青森県レッドデータブック2020年版 選定種一覧
European bird cherry (Prunus padus) — identification, habitat & look-alikes | Moeyo