European bird cherry Prunus padus

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae

• Synonyms

  European Bird Cherry, Hackberry, Hagberry, Mayday Tree

• Common names

  Padus racemosa, Cerasus padus, Padus avium, Prunus padus var. commutata, Prunus racemosa, Prunus padus var. salicifolia, Prunus padus subsp. asiatica, Padus vulgaris, Prunus padus subsp. padus.

Toxicity

• To humans

  European bird cherry contains compounds that are toxic to humans if ingested in large quantities. The seeds, leaves, and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when metabolized. Symptoms of European bird cherry poisoning may include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and potentially seizures, coma, or death in severe cases. The risk of poisoning is higher if the seeds have been chewed and ingested, as this releases more of the toxic compounds.

• To pets

  European bird cherry also poses a risk to pets, such as dogs and cats. The toxicity is similar to that in humans, as the plant contains cyanogenic glycosides, primarily in its seeds, leaves, and bark. If a pet ingests a significant quantity, symptoms such as salivation, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, convulsions or shock can occur, potentially leading to coma or death. Immediate veterinary attention is required if a pet is suspected of ingesting this plant.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  30 feet (9 meters)

• Spread

  20 feet (6 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  3

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Ornamental Value: European bird cherry, the common name for Prunus padus, is often used for landscaping due to its attractive spring blossoms, providing aesthetic enhancement to gardens and parks.
• Wildlife Support: It offers nectar-rich flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while its cherries provide food for birds and other wildlife.
• Shade Provider: With its mid-sized stature, European bird cherry can serve as a shade tree in small yards and urban areas, offering relief from the sun during hot weather.
• Habitat Creation: The plant can be used in creating wildlife-friendly habitats or corridors in rural and suburban areas.
• Erosion Control: Due to its root system, Prunus padus can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
• Wood Production: The wood of European bird cherry is hard and dense, making it suitable for crafting tools, furniture, and woodturning.

Medical Properties

• Analgesic: Prunus padus has been used traditionally to relieve pain.
• Antipyretic: It has properties that may help to reduce fever.
• Anti-inflammatory: The plant may have effects that help in reducing inflammation.
• Diuretic: It has been used to promote the elimination of urine and may help in conditions such as urinary tract infections.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Ink Production: The bark of the Bird Cherry can be used to make a reddish or dark-colored ink.
• Wood Crafting: The hard, dense wood of the Bird Cherry is suitable for turning on a lathe to make small items like handles or decorative objects.
• Ornamental Use: Due to its attractive spring blossoms and autumn foliage, Bird Cherry is often planted as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens.
• Wildlife Habitat: Bird Cherry trees can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
• Dyeing Fabric: The bark and fruit of the Bird Cherry can be used to dye fabrics and yarns in various shades of red or brown.
• Photography: The extract from the bark of Bird Cherry has been historically used as a component in silver-based photographic films.
• Perfumery: The fragrant flowers of the Bird Cherry may be used to create floral scents for perfumes.
• Floral Displays: Branches of Bird Cherry, with their striking flowers, are used by florists for creating natural decorative arrangements.
• Smoking Meat: Wood chips from the Bird Cherry can impart a distinctive flavor when used for smoking meat and fish.
• Traditional Instruments: The wood of the Bird Cherry is sometimes used to craft traditional wind instruments due to its fine grain and workability.

Feng Shui

The Bird Cherry is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Bird Cherry is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Renewal: The European bird cherry (Prunus padus), like many cherry species, blooms in the spring, symbolizing the awakening of life and nature's renewal.
• Beauty: With its attractive blossoms, the European bird cherry reflects beauty and the aesthetic pleasure found in nature.
• Impermanence: The fleeting bloom of its flowers reminds us of life's ephemeral qualities and the transient nature of beauty and existence.
• Education: In some cultures, the European bird cherry is associated with learning and intelligence, as its name, "bird cherry," implies a connection to birds, which are often symbols of wisdom.
• Purity: The white flowers of the European bird cherry can represent purity and innocence, underlining a connection to the virtuous aspects of life.