European Birdcherry (species)
Prunus padus
European Birdcherry (species) (Prunus padus) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 20–30 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Some breakage after storms; prolific flowering.
medium water20–30 ft tall and 15–20 ft wideToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Susan Marley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Susan Marley
- Photo 2: no rights reserved
- Photo 3: no rights reserved
- Photo 4: (c) Sciadopitys, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–6
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 20–30 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Bloom color
- white
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Watch: TransplantsIt resents being moved, so start with smaller stock, plant in spring, and get the spot right the first time.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Borers (peachtree and lesser borer)
- Black knot (galls on twigs)
- Aphids and leaf curl
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is European Birdcherry (species) good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, European Birdcherry (species) is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does European Birdcherry (species) get?
- It matures to about 20–30 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide.
- How much room does European Birdcherry (species) need?
- Give European Birdcherry (species) about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does European Birdcherry (species) grow into?
- European Birdcherry (species) typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is European Birdcherry (species) hardy on the Front Range?
- European Birdcherry (species) is hardy in USDA 3–6. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does European Birdcherry (species) need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does European Birdcherry (species) grow?
- European Birdcherry (species) is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does European Birdcherry (species) live?
- European Birdcherry (species) has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is European Birdcherry (species) safe for dogs?
- No. European Birdcherry (species) is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is European Birdcherry (species) deer-resistant?
- No. European Birdcherry (species) is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is European Birdcherry (species) prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- European Birdcherry (species) can be affected by borers (peachtree and lesser borer) and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
