What soil does Bird cherry grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous.

Is Bird cherry hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Bird cherry be planted?

Plant it at least 2.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

How much water does Bird cherry need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

Bird cherry

Prunus padus

Bird cherry (Prunus padus) is a small tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about €14.

Illustration of Bird cherry — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A native, fast-growing small tree or large shrub that is covered in drooping, strongly scented white flower racemes in April and May, just after the leaves open. Birds strip the small, black, bitter fruit and bees work the flowers. It belongs in fresh, moist soil, ideally near a stream or pond: in a dry, hot spot it struggles and needs regular watering. It throws suckers and seeds around, so it suits a natural-style garden best; besides the species, nurseries sell the purple-leaved, pink-flowered 'Colorata' and the long-racemed 'Watereri'.

Watch out for

In some years the caterpillars of the bird-cherry ermine moth strip the whole canopy and wrap the tree in white webbing; it looks alarming, but the tree normally leafs out again and control is rarely needed. Aphids (mainly the bird cherry-oat aphid) distort the shoot tips in spring. In prolonged drought it drops its leaves early, it does not suit paved or cramped street sites, and the suckers need regular removal. Do not confuse it with black cherry (Prunus serotina): that North American species is on the official Hungarian list of invasive woody plants, while bird cherry is native to Central Europe and not invasive.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: High
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 6 m × 3.5 m
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, white

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	6 m × 3.5 m
Ultimate size	6–15 m × 4–12 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, white
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 2.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	Fruit
Planting distance	500 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €14

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
80-100 cm	approx. €14

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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