European Birdcherry
Prunus padus
European Birdcherry (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
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Prunus padus
- Variety / cultivar
- European
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 20–30 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–6
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Pollinator value
- high
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.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
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 good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, European Birdcherry 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 get?
- It matures to about 20–30 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide.
- How much room does European Birdcherry need?
- Give European Birdcherry about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does European Birdcherry grow into?
- European Birdcherry 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 hardy on the Front Range?
- European Birdcherry 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 need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does European Birdcherry grow?
- European Birdcherry is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does European Birdcherry live?
- European Birdcherry has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is European Birdcherry safe for dogs?
- No. European Birdcherry is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is European Birdcherry deer-resistant?
- No. European Birdcherry is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is European Birdcherry prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- European Birdcherry 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.
