Bird Cherry – Prunus padus

Habitat

·        native to northern Europe

·        northern Asia

·        which grows north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia

Habit and Form

·        deciduous small tree or large shrub

·        8–16 m tall

Summer Foliage

·        cone-shaped crown

·        highly elongated shape

·        arched columns later

·        leaves are inverted egg-shaped elliptical or oblong, short, but slender mountain ends

Flowers

·        flowers are hermaphroditic

·        pollinated by bees and flies

·        Flowering time is between April to May.

·        fragrant

Fruit

·        the fruit are readily eaten by birds

·        which do not taste astringency as unpleasant

·        astringent and bitter-sweet

Bark

·        smooth

·        dark brown-gray or black

·         foul-smelling

Use:

·        The fruit of this tree are seldom used in Western Europe, but are commonly eaten further east.

·        Taboo on the use of the wood was reported by native of Advie, in North-east Scotland, being regarded as a "witches’ tree".

Healing effects:

·        beneficial effect on the blood

·        B vitamins found in all types of sour

·        also affects the functioning of nerves

·        treatment of respiratory diseases

Formerly it was used as a kind of dyeing plant. During the dyeing process the fruit – depending on the pre-treatment of the material – could produce shades ranging from brown up to light green, while the leaves were yellowish-gray in the range of dyes.

In addition, this species is supposed to have soothing, antipyretic and diuretic properties.

Sponsors:

Ministry of National Resources

University of Szeged

KEFAG Zrt.

Future of Europe Association