The Status of Prunus padus L. (Bird Cherry) in Forest Communities throughout Europe and Asia

Abstract

Prunus padus L. (bird cherry) belongs to the Racemosa group in subgenus Padus in the genus Prunus L. It is a hardy invasive species, which makes it valuable for securing slopes, and for eco-design. It is a good solitary park tree with early flowering of white flowers in racemes, which have a pleasant smell. However, it may be attacked by cherry-oat aphid, and the small ermine moth, which may weave giant webs over the whole tree, which demonstrates the important role of P. padus in the food web of forest ecosystems. The species is in balance with these pests, other herbivores and diseases throughout Europe and Asia. Another threat is the competition against the invasive P. serotina, but it seems that P. padus is not strongly threatened, though they compete for the same habitats. Moreover, human interference of forest community ecology is probably the greatest threat. The tree is not only winter hardy; it can also survive hot summers and tolerate a wide variety of soil types. It may form dense thickets due to the regeneration of branches bent to the ground and basal shoots, and may be invasive. These characteristics are important in determining the ecological niche of P. padus, which involves the position of the species within an ecosystem, comprising both its habitat requirements and the functional role. It is also important that P. padus has effective dispersal of pollen and seeds. This, together with the previously noted characteristics and the fact that the tree can cope well with climate change, define it as a not threatened species. However, the ssp. borealis is threatened and national level monitoring is required. Prunus padus has been exploited by farmers and rural population, but is less used today. However, it is still used for making syrup, jam and liquor. Moreover, the wood is valuable for wood carving and making cabinets. All tissues are valuable as sources of powerful natural antioxidants. However, the interest in the P. padus fruit and other tissues is overshadowed by the interest in other wild species of edible and human health-related berries. Moreover, the tree is used in horticulture as an ornamental in gardens and parks, values that deserve a new focus.

Phenolic composition of leaf and flower extracts of black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.)

“…Flowers have a characteristic almond-like odour. Every part of the plant has this smell, so this characteristic is used for distinguishing this species from other similar species (Nestby 2020).…”

“…Problems caused by black cherry have been studied in many European countries, e.g. Italy, Hungary, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, France and Norway (Deckers et al 2005;Csiszár et al 2013, Gentili et al 2019, Godefroid et al 2005, Poyet et al 2014Nestby 2020;Desiea et al 2020). Researchers have pointed out that a high seed production is the reason for the invasive success of P. serotina, and this plus the early age of flowering has made black cherry a great pest in wood stands.…”

Exploring antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of phytocomponents from different anatomical parts of Prunus padus L

“…It is characterized by edible, dark fruits with a bitter aftertaste that is used as an ingredient in tinctures and syrups. [2] Bird cherry bark, obtained from young twigs, together with leaf buds is also used as an herbal raw material. It was used in folk medicine as an astringent, diuretic, and anti-rheumatic agent.…”

“…However, information on the application of bird cherry is limited. [2] Leaves, fruits, and bark of bird cherry (P. padus) contain phenolic compounds such as phenolic acids, e.g. gallic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, or chlorogenic acid, as well as flavonoids like quercetin, catechin, or rutin.…”

Medicinal Plants in the Records of Latvian Folk Medicine and Analysis of Their Practical Applications. Doctoral Thesis

“…P. padus blooms in early spring with white flowers in racemes approximately 10 cm long, which have a pleasant smell, and develops an edible stone fruit, black in color when ripe (Uusitalo, 2004). The species belongs to the subgenus Padus in the genus Prunus L. (Nestby, 2020). Prunus has been among the most frequently mentioned genera that has been used for making recreational tea in eastern and central Europe (Sõukand et al, 2013).…”