Small native cherry of damp woodland, flowering in long fragrant white racemes after the leaves are out. Bitter black fruits are quickly stripped by birds.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 3–7 | −40 °C to −12.2 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H7 | down to −20 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 3–7 | −34 °C to −7 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 2–5 | −10 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Larval food plant for over 100 moth species, including the bird-cherry ermine moth — periodic ermine moth outbreaks completely defoliate trees in silken webbing, but the trees recover and the spectacle is harmless
- Long pendant white flower racemes signal the change from spring into early summer
- Fruits are too bitter to eat fresh but are quickly taken by thrushes and blackbirds
Pet caution: Bird cherry is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.
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Related plants
Cross-check Bird cherry against your zones