BIRD CHERRY – Prunus padus: [ 29 & 52 ]
Also known as black dogwood and hogberry it grows to 25m. The bark is smooth, peeling and grey brown. The green leaves are oval, hairless and have fine sharp, serrated edges. Clusters of white, heavily scented flowers appear in April. They contain male and female parts and after pollination develop into red-black bitter cherries. The nectar is great for bees and the cherries are eaten by birds, badgers and mice. The leaves are eaten by caterpillars but toxic to livestock. Fruits and bark have been used to make dyes and the wood is light and good for making small items. The cherries have also been used in several medicinal remedies in the past.
Also known as black dogwood and hogberry it grows to 25m. The bark is smooth, peeling and grey brown. The green leaves are oval, hairless and have fine sharp, serrated edges. Clusters of white, heavily scented flowers appear in April. They contain male and female parts and after pollination develop into red-black bitter cherries. The nectar is great for bees and the cherries are eaten by birds, badgers and mice. The leaves are eaten by caterpillars but toxic to livestock. Fruits and bark have been used to make dyes and the wood is light and good for making small items. The cherries have also been used in several medicinal remedies in the past.
