by Lilly and Dolly
Mature trees can grow to 25m. The bark is smooth, peeling and greyish-brown and emits an unpleasant, acrid odour. Twigs are a dull, deep brown with pale markings. Shoots are hairy when young but become hairless with age.
Quick facts
Common name: Bird Cherry, Black Dogwood, Hagberry, Hogberry
Scientific name: Prunus padus
Family: Rosaceae
Origin: native
Information:
Look out for:The leaf stems (petioles) which have two red glands at the top. Leaves have hairs on the underside in the vein axils.
Identified in winter by: lateral buds which are in clusters along the twig.
What does Bird Cherry look like?
Leaves
Oval and hairless except for the tufts under the vein joints. Unlike wild cherry, the edges have fine, sharp serrations, with pointed tips and two glands on the stalk at the leaf base.
Flowers
After being pollinated by insects, the flowers develop into reddish-black, bitter cherries. Unlike wild cherry, bird cherry does not produce root suckers.
Fruits
After being pollinated by insects, the flowers develop into reddish-black, bitter cherries. Unlike wild cherry, bird cherry does not produce root suckers.
Mythology, stories and symbolism
If placed at the front door, the strong-smelling bark of the tree was believed to have magical properties that could ward off the plague.
