Landscape Plants for Alaska
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).
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