Profile
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 |


