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Prunus Padus

Common names: Bird Cherry  

Irish name: Donnroisc 

Latin name: Prunus padus 

Family: Rosaceae 

Origin: Native 

Tree type: Deciduous broadleaf tree

How it Looks

Shape, bark, twigs 

The bird cherry can grow to 25m tall.  Its bark emits a strong odour, is dull grey, peels, and is slightly rough with horizontal bands. The twigs are a dull, deep brown with pale markings. Shoots start off hairy but become hairless with age. 

Buds 

The buds are arranged alternately along the stem and are sharply pointed, measuring 7-11 mm in size. 

Leaves 

The leaves are also arranged alternately along the stem. They are oval with pointed tips, have serrated edges, and typically reach a length of 5-10 cm. The upper side of the leaves is dark green and smooth, while the underside displays pale colouration with tufts of white hairs at the vein junctions. Each leaf stem (petiole) at the base of the leaf features two red glands. In the autumn, these leaves transform from red to yellow before falling. 

Flowers 

Bird Cherry produces clusters of white flowers in May and June, with up to forty flowers on each 10 cm flower stalk, known as a pendulous raceme. Each individual flower has five petals, which range in size from 6 to 9 mm and are attached to their own stalk (8-15 mm long). These flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts, and they emit a strong almond-like fragrance. 

Fruits 

Once pollinated by insects, the flowers develop into small dark reddish-black cherries, usually ripening in August. The pea-sized fruit has a very bitter taste and contains a poisonous stone. 

Similar species 

Wild cherry (Prunus avium), sour cherry (Prunus cerasus). The flowers of bird cherry hang in clusters.

Where to Find it

The native bird cherry is most frequently found in the northwest region of Ireland, notably in County Donegal. It’s commonly found in wet woodland, hedgerows, and riverbanks. It can grow in various soil types, including moist to well-drained and acidic to calcareous. It prefers sunny locations. This hardy tree can endure more pronounced exposure and elevated altitudes, which makes it a common sight in upland woodlands. 

Beyond Ireland, Bird Cherry can also be found natively in the United Kingdom, as well as in regions across northern Europe and northern Asia.  

Cultural Importance

History | Myth, Legend and Folklore

History

Bird cherry stones found in different archaeological contexts throughout Europe indicate that communities were eating fruit of the tree from the Mesolithic period (c. 8000-4000 BC) onwards. In Ireland, archaeological excavations undertaken in Sranagalloon, County Clare demonstrate that the wood of the bird cherry was used as fuel for Fulachta Fiadha or burnt mounds, what are thought to be Bronze Age (c. 2500-800 BC) outdoor cooking sites. 

The reddish-brown bark of the bird cherry can be processed to create a dye historically used for colouring fishing nets. In the absence of modern pesticides, bird cherry bark was used as a natural pesticide due to its chemical properties, protecting crops against rodents and insect infestations.   

Bird cherry has been historically employed for various ailments, including the production of cough medicine, eyewashes for treating conjunctivitis and addressing conditions like kidney stones, bronchitis, angina, anaemia and various inflammatory diseases. 

The English name Bird Cherry stems from the fact that birds eat its berries. However, it also goes by the name of Hagberry in certain parts of Britain, where it was believed to be a witches’ tree. 

Myth, Legend and Folklore 

With respect to the connection with witches mentioned above, it is perhaps not unusual that bird cherry was believed in certain cultures to protect against evil spirits. Due to its pungent scent, it was even thought that if placed at one’s front door it would protect against plague. In other traditions, however, bird cherry flowers are seen as a symbol of renewal and beginnings. 

Value to Wildlife

Bird cherry contributes significantly to wildlife. During spring, its blossoms offer an early supply of nectar and pollen, serving as a vital resource for bees and other pollinating insects. The leaves of bird cherry are a favoured food source for caterpillars of numerous moth species, including the orchard ermine and brimstone moths. Birds like the robin, song thrush, redwing, blackbird, and fieldfare are particularly drawn to the cherries produced by this tree. Birds play a key role in the distribution of bird cherry seeds. Since the seeds are not digested by birds, they are dispersed over vast areas through bird droppings. Many mammals, including badgers and wood mice, also benefit from the fallen fruits of the bird cherry.

Threats

Bird Cherry faces several threats, including:  

  1. Bacterial Cankers: Bird cherry is susceptible to bacterial cankers, which disfigure and can occasionally kill infected trees. These bacteria live on the leaves and can enter the tree through leaf pores during wet spring or early summer weather. Cankers may also develop when bacterial cells enter through wounds or leaf scars at leaf fall. Infections are dormant in summer and winter but rapidly spread in spring, eventually killing the bark. 
  1. Silver Leaf Disease: Incorrect pruning timing can make Bird Cherry trees vulnerable to silver leaf disease. This fungal disease enters through wounds during the cool, wet part of the year, blocking the tree's water-carrying vessels and causing wilting, often resulting in tree death. 
  1. Blossom Wilt: This disease affects the fruit, primarily through wounds, such as bird damage. Infected fruits show symptoms like brown rot and mummification, and they often remain hanging on the tree. They can cause small infections (cankers) when they touch the bark. The fungus overwinters in dead fruit, releasing spores in the spring to infect wounded fruit, perpetuating the disease cycle. 

To learn more about threats to Irish trees, visit ‘Threats to Irish Trees.’  

Uses

Bird cherry has a variety of practical uses. Its black fruits can be used to prepare liqueurs and for dyeing wool.  With its light brownish-red hue, the wood polishes well and has found applications in crafting small objects such as wooden boxes, tool handles, cask hoops and musical instruments. Virtually all parts of the tree have been utilised in traditional medicine.  

 

References

Irish Tree Explorers Network

Líonra Taiscéalaí Crainn na hÉireann

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