BIRD CHERRY TREE : Prunus padus
Not to be confused with wild cherry : index.asp?pageid=732901
The Woodland Trust exclaims that this is a stunning, scented show-stopper of a tree. In spring, nectar-loving animals flock to this beautiful tree for its almond-scented blossom.
Its leaves are oval and hairless except for the tufts under the vein joints. Unlike wild cherry, the edges have fine, sharp serrations, with pointed tips and two glands on the stalk at the leaf base.
Its flowers are clustered along short stalks, botanically known as racemes. The flowers are hermaphrodite, meaning each flower has both male and female parts. Flowers appear in April. They are heavily scented, white with five petals.
Trees for Life tells us it is common and widespread in Scotland. The preferred habitat of bird cherry is damp, base-rich soils or on limestone, and it often occurs in wet flushed areas, frequently with alder trees (Alnus glutinosa). It also grows alongside roads and paths.
Almost oval leaves pointed at their ends and finely serrated along their edges. You can see some green fruit too.
Look closer and you will notice webs amongst the leaves.
These are most like the webs of the red spider mite, although the catapillars of some moths produce something similar.
WILDLIFE TRUSTS : https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/trees-and-shrubs/bird-cherry
WOODLAND TRUST : https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/bird-cherry/
