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Mayday Tree (European Birdcherry)

Prunus padus

Deciduous Tree

Height

30 - 40 (feet)

Spread

15 - 30 (feet)

Distinctions

INVASIVE. Smooth gray bark; symmetrical oval canopy; clusters of white, fragrant flowers in spring; small black fruits; fast growing.

Limitations

INVASIVE; seeds carried by birds have resulted in rapid invasion in SC forests and riparian areas, replacing native species; susceptible to black knot disease and aphids; suckers; often has poor form which results in structural damage.

Hardiness

INT, SC, SE (Zone 3)

Origin

Europe, northern Asia to Korea, and Japan

Cultivars

var. commutata long spikes of white flowers; early flowering.; ‘Dropmore’ showy flowers; selected by a nursery in Dropmore, Manitoba.; ‘Plena’ large, semi-double flowers; long bloom period (Zone 4).; ‘Spaethi’ flower clusters hang gracefully from branches (Zone 4).; ‘Watereri’ 8" long clusters of flowers (Zone 4).

Invasive Potential

Highly to extremely invasive in Alaska - Avoid planting

Mayday Tree (European Birdcherry)
Mayday Tree (European Birdcherry)
Mayday Tree (European Birdcherry)