European Bird Cherry (Prunus padus)

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Sunlight Partial sun to full sun; tolerates light shade, with best flowering in open, well-lit woodland edges

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Watering Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot

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Temperature Hardy to -20°C; thrives in cold temperate climates; avoid prolonged heat above 30°C

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Leaf: Oval to lanceolate with serrated margins, bright green turning yellow in autumn
Flower: Fragrant white hanging racemes, 5–12 cm long
Stem/Bark: Smooth gray-brown bark; young shoots have fine, soft hairs

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Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during active growth

Fertilization

Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering

Eggshell powder topdress：Grind dried eggshells to a fine powder; sprinkle 1 tsp per plant around the base; water in to release calcium slowly

Pruning

Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter before new growth emerges
Thin crowded inner branches to improve air circulation and light penetration
Trim back overlong shoots after flowering to maintain desired tree shape

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Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; contains cyanogenic glycosides that can cause severe systemic distress if ingested

Humans: Ingestion of seeds, leaves, or bark releases cyanogenic glycosides, causing mild to moderate cyanide poisoning symptoms

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Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental garden tree; wood used for small crafts and tool handles